Development of an Evidence Map for Behavioral Health Research Associated with Gulf Hurricanes: 2017-2023
Location
CALS
Publication Date
June 2024
Start Date
1-6-2024 9:00 AM
Description
The psychological impacts of natural disasters have long been discussed in the research literature. Anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms have been found to increase following the experience of a hurricane depending on the severity of the storm and the impact following the event. Evidence and Gap Maps are interactive tools that allow users to see collections of research information into specific themes. Through this process, we can visually see areas in which there are research “gaps”. The purpose of this study was to develop a plan for designing an evidence and gap map of behavioral health research for gulf coast hurricanes. A systematic search of studies published between 2017 and 2023 was completed using PsycINFO and PubMed databases. Inclusion criteria were studies in which mental/behavioral health and psychology applicable studies related to Atlantic Gulf hurricanes. Out of 147 articles found in this search, 36.7% were related to Hurricane Maria. Most of the articles focused on Puerto Rico and individuals from Puerto Rico that relocated to Florida due to the storm. Approximately 70% of the articles focused on mental health symptoms, specifically depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress. Significant gaps identified were the lack of studies on hurricane impacts in LMICs as well as limited focus on specific psychological or psychiatric interventions. Recommendations and future directions will be discussed as it pertains to research with LMIC countries and impacts of hurricanes.
Recommended Citation
Barker, Chikira H.; Bryant, Davin; and Bailey, Rahn K., "Development of an Evidence Map for Behavioral Health Research Associated with Gulf Hurricanes: 2017-2023" (2024). Dept. of Psychiatry Research Symposium. 2.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/psych_rd/2024/posters/2
Development of an Evidence Map for Behavioral Health Research Associated with Gulf Hurricanes: 2017-2023
CALS
The psychological impacts of natural disasters have long been discussed in the research literature. Anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms have been found to increase following the experience of a hurricane depending on the severity of the storm and the impact following the event. Evidence and Gap Maps are interactive tools that allow users to see collections of research information into specific themes. Through this process, we can visually see areas in which there are research “gaps”. The purpose of this study was to develop a plan for designing an evidence and gap map of behavioral health research for gulf coast hurricanes. A systematic search of studies published between 2017 and 2023 was completed using PsycINFO and PubMed databases. Inclusion criteria were studies in which mental/behavioral health and psychology applicable studies related to Atlantic Gulf hurricanes. Out of 147 articles found in this search, 36.7% were related to Hurricane Maria. Most of the articles focused on Puerto Rico and individuals from Puerto Rico that relocated to Florida due to the storm. Approximately 70% of the articles focused on mental health symptoms, specifically depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress. Significant gaps identified were the lack of studies on hurricane impacts in LMICs as well as limited focus on specific psychological or psychiatric interventions. Recommendations and future directions will be discussed as it pertains to research with LMIC countries and impacts of hurricanes.