An investigation of the factors that influence post-disaster mental health in a Brazilian birth cohort study

Project Code

MRCPHS25Ba Halligan

Research Theme

Population Health Sciences

Project Summary Download

Summary

Exposure to traumatic events like disasters is a major risk factor for poor mental health. However, understanding of the pre-existing factors that contribute to better or worse mental health following such experiences is limited. This PhD will focus on a study of more than 4000 individuals who were born in Pelotas, Brazil, in 2004 and have been tracked over time. Study participants were exposed to catastrophic flooding in Pelotas in May 2024, allowing for a unique examination of post-disaster mental health. The focus of this PhD will be on understanding risk/resilience to poor mental health in this post-disaster context.

Lead Supervisor

Professor Sarah Halligan

Lead Supervisor Email

s.l.halligan@bath.ac.uk

University Affiliation

Bath