AUTHOR=Nzayisenga Emmanuel , Chan Chim W. , Roome Amanda B. , Therrien Ann-Sophie , Sinclair Isabelle , Taleo George , Tarivonda Len , Tosiro Bev , Malanga Max , Tagaro Markleen , Obed Jimmy , Iaruel Jerry , Olszowy Kathryn M. , Dancause Kelsey N. TITLE=Patterns of distress and psychosocial support 2 years post-displacement following a natural disaster in a lower middle income country JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health VOLUME=10 YEAR=2022 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2022.1017286 DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2022.1017286 ISSN=2296-2565 ABSTRACT=Background

Displacement due to natural disaster exposure is a major source of distress, and disproportionately affects people in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Public mental health resources following natural disasters and displacement are often limited in LMICs. In 2017, the population of one island in Vanuatu, a lower-middle income country, was displaced due to volcanic activity. Following the launch of a public mental health policy in 2009, psychosocial support interventions are increasingly available, providing an opportunity to assess relationships with distress following displacement.

Methods

440 people contributed data. We assessed distress using a local adaptation of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised, and types of psychosocial support available and received, including from health professionals, support groups, and traditional networks such as chiefs, traditional healers, and church leaders. We analyzed relationships between distress and psychosocial support, controlling for sociodemographic covariates.

Results

Professional and group support was reported available by 86.8–95.1% of participants. Traditional support networks were widely used, especially by men. Availability of professional support predicted lower distress among men (p < 0.001) and women (p = 0.015) (ηp2 = 0.026–0.083). Consulting church leaders for psychosocial support was associated with higher distress among men (p = 0.026) and women (p = 0.023) (ηp2 = 0.024–0.031). Use of professional and group support was lower than reported availability.

Discussion

Increased collaboration between professional and traditional support networks could help respond to mental health needs following natural disasters in LMICs with limited infrastructure. Providing training and resources to church leaders might be a specific target for improvement. Promoting use of available services represents a continued public health need.