Evaluating the Health Impacts of Disasters on Youth
Evaluating the Health Impacts of Disasters on Youth
Project Summary
The overarching goal of this project is to evaluate the health impacts of disasters on youth. In doing so, we directly address a critical concern related to the natural environment and health. As an important step in reaching this goal, we will evaluate the effects of Hurricane Sandy on youth mental health and health behaviors.
Approach
While most studies to date have used before-after designs, we will employ quasi-experimental methods, including difference-in-differences models, which are considered rigorous evaluation techniques to evaluate macro-level shocks (Dimick & Ryan, 2014). This will allow us to compare mental health and health behaviors among youth directly affected by Hurricane Sandy with those beyond the hurricane path.
Measurement & Metrics
We will assess mental health and health behaviors, using two representative, but complementary datasets with local-level geographic identifiers that have not been used previously in disaster research.