After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: gender differences in health and religiosity in middle-aged and older adults

Health Care Women Int. 2010 Nov;31(11):997-1012. doi: 10.1080/07399332.2010.514085.

Abstract

We examined health-related quality of life in adults in the Louisiana Health Aging Study (LHAS) after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (HK/R) that made landfall on the U.S. Gulf Coast region in 2005. Analyses of pre- and post-disaster SF-36 scores yielded changes in physical function and bodily pain. Mental health scores were lower for women than men. Gender differences were observed in religious beliefs and religious coping, favoring women. Religious beliefs and religious coping were negatively correlated with physical function, implying that stronger reliance on religiosity as a coping mechanism may be more likely among those who are less physically capable.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Age Factors
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Cyclonic Storms*
  • Disasters*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Louisiana / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology
  • Mental Health / statistics & numerical data*
  • Middle Aged
  • Social Environment
  • Spirituality*
  • Stress, Psychological / epidemiology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Survivors / psychology
  • Survivors / statistics & numerical data*