Environmental quality of life and psychological distress of emerging adults in flood-affected areas of Assam, India: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Psychological reactions after any catastrophe can vary from person to person and from disaster to disaster depending upon the level of exposure, the extent of loss, coping mechanisms, and social support available at that time. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine mental health-related issues experienced by emerging adults as a result of flooding in various localities of Assam, which are considered to be as worst affected areas. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional research study and was conducted among the emerging adults of flood-affected areas of Assam amid the issues of ongoing floods between June and July 2022. The convenience sampling method was used in the selection of emerging adults in the age group of 18–25 years, residing in Assam during flooding situations. To measure psychological distress, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale was used. Additionally, to measure an individual's perception of general health, environmental quality of life, and people's perception of the overall quality of life, the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF Scale was used. Results: The findings show that a significant difference was not found between emerging adults who had flood issues on their property and those who had not gone through in the domain of depression (Mann–Whitney U = 1644.0, p=.85), anxiety (Mann–Whitney U = 1657.0, p=.91), and stress (Mann–Whitney U = 1634.0, p=.81). Significant group difference was seen in the environmental quality of life (Mann–Whitney U = 945.5, p<.001), the individual's perception of general health (Mann–Whitney U = 1225.0, p=.01), and the individual's perception of overall quality of life (Mann–Whitney U = 991.5, p<.001). It was found that depression had a significant negative correlation with an individual's perception of general health (r = −0.172, p=.045). Additionally, anxiety had a significant negative correlation with the individual's perception of general health (r = −0.193, p=.024). Stress had a significant negative correlation with an individual's perception of general health (r = −0.169, p=.048). Conclusion: The results in the present study help to comprehend emerging adults' psychological responses to disasters and have practical insinuations for service planning and delivery. It is very important to strengthen mental health care and psychological consultation facilities, to mitigate, control, and prevent mental health problems.

Keywords

• emerging adults
• floods
• mental health
• quality of life