The unforeseen tide: exploring mental health impacts of the 2024 flash flood in Bangladesh

Abstract

Our study examines the mental health impacts of the flood, focusing on depression, anxiety, and stress, utilizing the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). A total of 451 adult residents were surveyed through face-to-face interviews, selected via convenience and snowball sampling to ethically and effectively reach displaced, hard-to-access individuals affected by the 2024 flash flood in Cumilla District, Bangladesh. The survey collected data on sociodemographic factors, flood-related experiences, and the prevalence of mental health issues. Statistical analyses, including stepwise backward and multiple linear regression, identified key associations between sociodemographic variables (e.g., gender, age, education, chronic illness) and mental health outcomes. The results revealed a high prevalence of mental health disorders: 59.87% of participants experienced extremely severe anxiety, 37.69% experienced extremely severe depression, and 25.72% reported severe stress. Key predictors of mental health challenges included gender, age, education, and chronic illness, with women, older adults, and those with lower educational levels or chronic illnesses being particularly vulnerable. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions and enhanced disaster preparedness in flood-prone regions. Strengthening social networks, improving disaster management education, and addressing the vulnerabilities of specific groups are essential steps in building resilience against future natural disasters.