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A Mixed-Methods Study After Multiple Disasters: September 11, 2001, World Trade Center Terrorist Attacks and Hurricane Sandy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 March 2021

Sascha K. Garrey ,
Aminotu A. Ogunyemi  and
Lisa M. Gargano
Sascha K. Garrey*
Affiliation:
World Trade Center Health Registry, Division of Epidemiology, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Queens, New York, USA
Aminotu A. Ogunyemi
Affiliation:
World Trade Center Health Registry, Division of Epidemiology, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Queens, New York, USA
Lisa M. Gargano
Affiliation:
World Trade Center Health Registry, Division of Epidemiology, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Queens, New York, USA
*
Corresponding author: Sascha K. Garrey, Email: sgarrey@health.nyc.gov.
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Abstract

Objective:

The aim of this study was to use a mixed-method analysis to investigate the associations between qualitative themes found in written responses and quantitative reported level of stress after Hurricane Sandy.

Methods:

A survey was conducted among World Trade Center Health Registry enrollees 5-12 mo after Hurricane Sandy. This study included 1202 participants who completed the free-response section and answered the question on how stressful their experiences were with Hurricane Sandy and its aftermath. Content analysis was used to generate qualitative data. Mixed-methods analysis was performed using a 1-way analysis of variance test for bivariate comparisons of qualitative thematic codes and the quantitative outcome of mean Sandy stress scores.

Results:

Seven themes emerged from the qualitative analysis. The themes of lack of information, negative emotional response, and financial stress had higher quantitative mean Sandy stress scores compared with other themes. The theme of patriotism/gratitude had an overall lower quantitative Sandy stress scores than other themes.

Conclusions:

Qualitative and mixed-methods research on mental health outcomes after a disaster add new depth and findings to the existing literature. Using such methodologies to identify modifiable factors, such as improving communication during a disaster, may confer better mental health outcomes after a disaster.

Keywords

disaster planningmixed-methodsHurricane SandyWorld Trade Centerstress
Type
Original Research
Information
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness , Volume 16 , Issue 2 , April 2022 , pp. 698 - 705
Copyright
© 2021 Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.

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