Document
The Impact of the 2021 Cyclone Shaheen on the mental health of affected Omanis.
Identifier
DOI 10.5001/omj.2023.62
Contributors
Natarajan, Jansirani., Author
Al-Farsiyah, Taif Khamis., Author
Al-Saifiyah, Al-Zahraa Mohammed., Author
Al-Saidiyah, Wurood Khalifah., Author
Al-Jassassi, Omair Amur., Author
Al-Mukhaini, Hamed Mohammed., Author
Publisher
Oman Medical Specialty Board.
Gregorian
2023-03
Language
English
English abstract
Objectives: Nine strong cyclones have been recorded in Oman in the last 50 years, the
last being tropical cyclone Shaheen in October 2021, in the northern Oman area. The
aim of our study was to determine the relationship between property loss and the mental
health of residents after cyclone Shaheen. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional
study among Omani citizens living in areas affected by cyclone Shaheen three to six
months post-cyclone. In an online, self-reported questionnaire, we assessed the loss of
participants' properties due to the cyclone and the impact on their perceived mental
health. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and associations between demographics,
loss of properties, and mental health were performed. Results: Of 440 participants,
79.3% had their houses directly damaged by the cyclone and 90.7% had their outside
properties damaged. Most of the respondents reported that they suffered from mental
health symptoms in the months following the cyclone. Women, people with a lower
socioeconomic status, the unemployed, and those without a university degree were
associated with poorer mental health outcomes. Mental health was significantly lower for
respondents whose properties were mostly affected by the cyclone. Conclusions: With
scant knowledge about how cyclones directly affect Omanis' mental health, the results of
this study are paramount for the planning of psychological care services to improve the
country's response to extreme weather events.
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Category
Journal articles