Effects of Volcanic Eruptions on Mental Health
Author Information
Author(s): Danae A. Mendoza, José M. Reales, Soledad Ballesteros
Primary Institution: Universidad Nacional a Distancia (UNED), Madrid, Spain
Hypothesis
What effects have volcanic eruptions had on the mental health of people of all ages who have experienced this natural disaster?
Conclusion
The negative influence of experiencing volcanic activity on mental health was confirmed, indicating a need for more research to improve the mental health of highly exposed populations.
Supporting Evidence
- 24 articles met the inclusion criteria, showing that highly exposed populations are more vulnerable to long-lasting psychological disorders.
- Psychological distress was the most prevalent disorder, with a wide range of incidence from 10% to 60%.
- Women were found to be more vulnerable to developing PTSD and other psychological disorders.
Takeaway
When volcanoes erupt, people living nearby can feel really sad or scared for a long time, and we need to help them feel better.
Methodology
The review followed PRISMA guidelines and included systematic searches in multiple databases, screening 17,044 articles to find 24 that met the inclusion criteria.
Potential Biases
Potential biases include confounding factors and the heterogeneity of study designs.
Limitations
The review did not include qualitative studies and only considered articles published in English, which may limit the understanding of individual experiences.
Participant Demographics
The studies included participants of all ages, with a slight female predominance in reported mental health issues.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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