Potential Implications of the 2011–2012 Drought in Mexico on Older Adult Health
2024
Impact of Drought on Older Adult Health in Mexico
Sample size: 8954
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Saenz Joseph, Peniche Jorge, Tanner Laura, Aguila Emma, Downer Brian, Wong Rebeca
Hypothesis
How does exposure to drought affect the health of older adults in Mexico?
Conclusion
Longer exposure to drought was linked to worse mental, physical, and cognitive health in older adults.
Supporting Evidence
- Six months of additional drought exposure related to higher depressive symptoms.
- Longer drought exposure was associated with poorer self-rated health.
- Participants reported poorer self-rated finances during drought.
- Drought exposure was linked to worse cognitive health outcomes.
Takeaway
If older people live in a place that has a drought for a long time, they might feel sadder and less healthy.
Methodology
The study used data from the 2012 Mexican Health and Aging Study linked with municipality-level drought data to assess health impacts.
Participant Demographics
Respondents were aged 50 and older.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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