Link to the University of Pittsburgh Homepage
Link to the University Library System Homepage Link to the Contact Us Form

A REVIEW OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH ROLES IN RESPONSE TO COMMUNITY DISASTERS AND THE RATIONALE FOR EFFECTIVE INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATIONS

Russo, Angela Jean (2006) A REVIEW OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH ROLES IN RESPONSE TO COMMUNITY DISASTERS AND THE RATIONALE FOR EFFECTIVE INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATIONS. Master's Thesis, University of Pittsburgh. (Unpublished)

[img]
Preview
PDF
Primary Text

Download (395kB) | Preview

Abstract

Disasters vary in scope, size, and cause. Relevant public health aspects of disasters include community impact and the response of health professionals to alleviate stress and dangerous conditions surrounding the disaster. Public health focuses on the prevention of disease and the promotion of health. Disaster preparedness and response are significant areas in the field of public health. Disasters pose threats to the general public through increases in injury, death, and changes in infrastructure. The public health response to disaster includes assessments of the community impact, surveillance for disease, addressing sanitary health concerns, and providing information to the public. Mental health professionals also have important roles in responding to disaster in the community. In addition to physical aspects, disasters also may pose psychological risks to individuals and to the effected community. These risks may include stress, anxiety, and depression. Mental health workers provide counseling, support, and education to assist people affected by disaster in returning to their pre-disaster level of functioning. Traditionally there has been a separation between the disciplines of public health and mental health. Public health is population-based and mental health has been traditionally regarded being more individually based. During a disastrous event communication and organization among agencies is critical to an effective response. Increased collaborations between public health and mental health are needed to facilitate an appropriate and effective disaster response. Both areas aim to improve overall health and well being, and therefore are inter-related. Each discipline needs to become more familiar with the nature of each other's work. Overall increases in public and mental health research, planning, training, and education programs are needed to understand and appreciate both the public health and mental health consequences of disaster and to improve community participation and preparedness.


Share

Citation/Export:
Social Networking:
Share |

Details

Item Type: University of Pittsburgh ETD
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Russo, Angela Jeanajr23@pitt.edu, angierusso@verizon.netAJR23
ETD Committee:
TitleMemberEmail AddressPitt UsernameORCID
Committee ChairCairns, Gail Scairnsg@edc.pitt.edu
Committee MemberRicci, Edmund Memricci@pitt.eduEMRICCI
Committee MemberMarx, Johnjmarx@pitt.eduJMARX
Date: 7 June 2006
Date Type: Completion
Defense Date: 11 April 2006
Approval Date: 7 June 2006
Submission Date: 11 April 2006
Access Restriction: No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately.
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: School of Public Health > Behavioral and Community Health Sciences
Degree: MPH - Master of Public Health
Thesis Type: Master's Thesis
Refereed: Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords: public health and mental health roles in disaster
Other ID: http://etd.library.pitt.edu/ETD/available/etd-04112006-153710/, etd-04112006-153710
Date Deposited: 10 Nov 2011 19:35
Last Modified: 15 Nov 2016 13:39
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/6993

Metrics

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics


Actions (login required)

View Item View Item