Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health
Volume 27, Issue 2, 2015, Pages NP1952-NP1961

The psychological impact of exposure to the 2008 snowstorms on migrant workers in china (Article)

Chen G. , Shen H.* , Kerr N. , Zhao J.
  • a Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200052, China; Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200052, China
  • b Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200052, China
  • c Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200052, China
  • d Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200052, China

Abstract

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and to identify associated risk factors among migrant workers 4 years after the 2008 snowstorm in China. A cross-sectional survey of 528 respondents was conducted to collect data in Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province. A multistage cluster sampling method was applied in selecting subjects from migrant workers' gathering areas. Association between the independent variables and PTSD was analyzed using logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of PTSD was 17.42% among migrant workers in Changsha. Being male, being older than 35 years, being an electrician, having dependent children, suffering property damage, being without medical insurance, and having low social support were risk factors significantly related to the development of PTSD. Effective and sustainable mental health services should be directed particularly to the migrant workers, who are among the groups most vulnerable to the direct impact of snowstorms. © 2013 APJPH.

Author Keywords

China risk factors snowstorm Migrant workers posttraumatic stress disorder Prevalence

Index Keywords

China human middle aged health service Stress, Psychological mental stress social support disaster snow Cross-Sectional Studies Surveys and Questionnaires Young Adult cross-sectional study Humans psychology Adolescent male female risk factor Risk Factors Disasters questionnaire health services prevalence adult migration Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic Transients and Migrants
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84926372103&doi=10.1177%2f1010539513481800&partnerID=40&md5=b0b96c5d1da74df14f0558f2baa750b3
DOI: 10.1177/1010539513481800
ISSN: 10105395
Cited by: 3
Original Language: English