title: The impact of Hurricane Sandy on the mental health of New York area residents.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the long-term psychological impact of Hurricane Sandy on New York residents.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective, cross-sectional study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Community-based study.
  
  
  METHODS
  From October 2013 to February 2015, 669 adults in Long Island, Queens, and Staten Island completed a survey on their behavioral and psychological health, demographics, and hurricane impact (ie, exposure).
  
  
  METHODS
  Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Using multivariable logistic regression models, the relationships between Hurricane Sandy exposure and depression, anxiety, and PTSD were examined. Participants experienced an average of 3.9 exposures to Hurricane Sandy, most of which were related to property damage/loss. Probable depression was reported in 33.4 percent of participants, probable anxiety in 46 percent, and probable PTSD in 21.1 percent. Increased exposure to Hurricane Sandy was significantly associated with a greater likelihood of depression (odds ratio [OR] = 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04-1.14), anxiety (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.03-1.13), and probable PTSD (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.23-1.40), even after controlling for demographic factors known to increase susceptibility to mental health issues.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Individuals affected by Hurricane Sandy reported high levels of mental health issues and were at an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and PTSD in the years following the storm. Recovery and prevention efforts should focus on mental health issues in affected populations.
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention, Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, Great Neck, New York.
authors.forename: Rebecca M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Schwartz
authors.affiliation: Senior Research Statistician, Biostatistics Unit, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York.
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sison
authors.affiliation: Administrative Manager for Research, Department of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention and Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York.
authors.forename: Samantha M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Kerath
authors.affiliation: Commissioner, Nassau County Department of Human Services, Uniondale, New York.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Murphy
authors.affiliation: Grants Manager, Nassau County Department of Human Services, Uniondale, New York.
authors.forename: Trista
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Breil
authors.affiliation: Research Assistant, Department of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention and Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sikavi
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Population Health Science and Policy and Institute for Translational Epidemiology, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Emanuela
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Taioli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D055867:Cyclonic Storms; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D004190:Disasters; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009518:New York / Q000453:epidemiology; D009519:New York City / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology