Physical and mental health shortly after a disaster: first results from the Enschede firework disaster study

Abstract

Results indicate that the fireworks disaster had a substantial impact on the health of those affected by the disaster. The health impact was most pronounced for residents and passers-by and also for rescue workers living in the affected area, but to a lesser degree. Physical and mental health problems were strongly associated with the shocking experiences during and shortly after the disaster.

Health-related quality of life and mental health problems after a disaster: Are chronically ill survivors more vulnerable to health problems?

“…Nearly 4 years post-disaster, (JanuaryMarch 2004) a third survey was performed (T3); 995 survivors (response 66%) completed a questionnaire. Details of the study population, nonresponse and procedures of the three waves have been described elsewhere [12][13][14][15][16].…”

A longitudinal comparative study of the physical and mental health problems of affected residents of the firework disaster Enschede, The Netherlands

“…9 Three weeks after the firework disaster, a study was carried out to measure potential exposure and the health problems among residents and emergency rescue workers who were present at the time of the disaster. 10 The main aim was to collect data on exposure and health to inform health care and policy makers, and decrease uncertainty about exposure to toxic substances. Data collection for scientific purposes was a minor goal.…”

“…11 In addition, the respondents' location and experiences during, and in, the hours just after the disaster, and their physical and psychological health, were assessed with a set of standardized questionnaires. 10 The study was part of a larger healthcare programme especially designed for the survivors. 12 Although we were in a unique situation to study the survivors so quickly after the disaster (3 weeks), we did not have time to collect reference data that were lacking for most of the specific questionnaires for the immigrant groups living in the affected area.…”

“…12 Although we were in a unique situation to study the survivors so quickly after the disaster (3 weeks), we did not have time to collect reference data that were lacking for most of the specific questionnaires for the immigrant groups living in the affected area. 10 At the second survey, 18 months after the disaster, a control group was included. In this paper, we describe the results of the health status of the affected residents in the first follow-up, about 18 months after the disaster.…”

The independent predictive value of peritraumatic dissociation for postdisaster intrusions, avoidance reactions, and PTSD symptom severity: A 4-year prospective study

“…To assess the predictive value of peritraumatic dissociation, we analyzed the data collected in the Enschede Fireworks Disaster Health Study. This was a prospective study of a fireworks disaster conducted over a period of almost 4 years (Grievink, Van der Velden, Yzermans, Roorda, & Stellato, in press;Van Kamp et al, 2006;Van der Velden et al, 2005. The research question was "What is the independent predictive value of peritraumatic dissociation for intrusions and avoidance reactions, and for PTSD at both 18-months and almost 4-years postdisaster, over and above intrusions and avoidance reactions and psychological distress 2-3-weeks postdisaster?…”