The NE Gulf coastal population of Florida and Alabama are at risk for significant, but preventable adverse psychological outcomes as a result of exposure to the DWH oil spill event and related stressors. Using a community based participatory research model, our preliminary studies in these coastal regions indicated widespread psychological reactivity during the environmental disaster which was completely independent of the presence or absence of coastal oil. As part of an ongoing collaboration with our community partners, the goals of this population based, prospective, longitudinal cohort study are to 1) monitor the general health and psychological impacts of the disaster on individuals and families with direct (coastal oil) and indirect (no coastal oil) exposure over time;2) identify predictors of favorable outcome (a composite score of general health, psychological status and quality of life) and 3) determine the extent to which being flexible and able to manage emotions facilitates the process of resilience. Using standardized, well validated psychological and family assessment procedures, a base cohort (n=394) and family sub-cohort (n=100) will be followed for four years. For the main hypotheses, data will be analyzed using logistic regression procedures. Findings will allow us to define the prototypical patterns of psychological recovery from oil spill (or similar environmental disasters) for individuals and families. Identification of peak periods of symptom development and attenuation will place public health officials in a better position to anticipate and respond to the needs of the community. Results will also identify the unique skills and capabilities associated with the process of resilience and favorable outcome. It is likely that many of these functions are potentially modifiable and could directly inform public health intervention. Therefore, in year five the findings from this study will be used to develop and evaluate two psycho-educational programs that could readily generalize to other communities. The focus of these programs will be to enhance the skills that could buffer the effects of disaster.

Public Health Relevance

This project has direct relevance to the U19 Consortium application. It is a population based psychological health outcome study of individuals and families of Gulf Coast communities impacted by the DWH oil spill. The project uses a community based participatory research model and studies the characteristics and predictors of favorable outcome (the result of individual and family resilience).

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Type
Research Program--Cooperative Agreements (U19)
Project #
1U19ES020683-01
Application #
8239666
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZES1-LWJ-J (DW))
Project Start
2011-06-27
Project End
2016-04-30
Budget Start
2011-06-01
Budget End
2012-05-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$320,353
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Florida
Department
Type
DUNS #
969663814
City
Gainesville
State
FL
Country
United States
Zip Code
32611
Mathews, Anne E; Al-Rajhi, Ali; Kane, Andrew S (2018) Validation of a photographic seafood portion guide to assess fish and shrimp intakes. Public Health Nutr 21:896-901
Clarke, Hannah E; Mayer, Brian (2017) Community Recovery Following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: Toward A Theory of Cultural Resilience. Soc Nat Resour 30:129-144
Bergstrand, Kelly; Mayer, Brian (2017) Transformative Environmental Threats: Behavioral and Attitudinal Change Five Years after the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Environ Sociol 3:348-358
Boushey, Carol J; Delp, Edward J; Ahmad, Ziad et al. (2016) Dietary Assessment of domoic acid Exposure: What can be learned from traditional methods and new applications for a technology assisted device. Harmful Algae 57:51-55
Abramson, David M; Grattan, Lynn M; Mayer, Brian et al. (2015) The resilience activation framework: a conceptual model of how access to social resources promotes adaptation and rapid recovery in post-disaster settings. J Behav Health Serv Res 42:42-57
Bergstrand, Kelly; Mayer, Brian; Brumback, Babette et al. (2015) Assessing the Relationship Between Social Vulnerability and Community Resilience to Hazards. Soc Indic Res 122:391-409
Mayer, Brian; Running, Katrina; Bergstrand, Kelly (2015) Compensation and Community Corrosion: Perceived Inequalities, Social Comparisons, and Competition Following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Sociol Forum (Randolph N J) 30:369-390
Morris Jr, J Glenn; Grattan, Lynn M; Mayer, Brian M et al. (2013) Psychological responses and resilience of people and communities impacted by the deepwater horizon oil spill. Trans Am Clin Climatol Assoc 124:191-201
Grattan, Lynn M; Roberts, Sparkle; Mahan Jr, William T et al. (2011) The early psychological impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on Florida and Alabama communities. Environ Health Perspect 119:838-43