Physical and Psychological Health Status of Older Persons in Cyclone-Affected Areas of Bangladesh

Jumana Akter, RTM Al Kabir University

Older people are one of the worst victims of the after-effects of cyclones as they have special needs, requirements, and mobility issues. The deleterious effects on their physical and psychological health are a matter of concern yet it remains unexplored. Moreover, the current study attempted to delve into the physical and psychological health status of older persons and their challenges and vulnerabilities living in these cyclone-affected areas (CAA) of Bangladesh. This study adopted mixed-method strategy and conducted 322 quantitative survey and 20 in-depth- interviews by using purposive sampling from two districts of Khulna and Barisal Division. For the quantitative part, multiple linear regression for continuous variables and multinomial logistic regression for nominal variables were performed after checking the assumptions, for the qualitative part thematic analysis was performed. The study found that significant determinants of physical health status were age, sex, income, education, losing family members in cyclones, number of experiencing cyclones, displacement experience, Activities of Daily Life (ADL), emotion coping, and avoidance coping. The determinants of psychological health were age, sex, income, post-disaster health complaints, and emotional coping. The study's results contribute to the increasing awareness regarding the health condition of older people in areas affected by disasters.

Keywords: Population Ageing, Population, Environment, and Climate Change

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