Disaster Psychological Preparedness and Its Association with Mental Health in a Rural Population

Abstract

Objective: Evidence suggests that psychological preparedness is associated with better physical disaster preparation, lower mental health impacts, and improved recovery efforts following a disaster. This analysis provides preliminary insights into factors that may be associated with better psychological preparedness and explores the relationship between psychological preparedness and mental health among Australian rural residents. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data regarding factors associated with Psychological Preparedness. National online study where participants were community members from MMM1 to MMM6 (N = 388). This study used the Awareness, Anticipation and Management (AAM) subscale from the Psychological Preparedness for Disaster Threat Scale (PPDTS). Results: Individuals who live in an Australian rural area were 11.59 times more likely to have experienced a disaster, compared to those in a metropolitan area. Significant associations were found between higher PPDTS scores and male sex, age, rural location, having experienced a disaster, and specific physical preparedness items. Individuals with elevated levels of depression, anxiety, and stress had statistically significantly lower PPDTS scores. Conclusions: Investment in psychological preparedness for natural disasters may assist in preventing mental health exacerbation post disasters. This is particularly important in rural communities, which are more likely to experience disasters but have limited mental health support.