After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: Gender Differences in Health and Religiosity in Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Keywords
quality of life, Louisiana Health Aging Study, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, natural disaster, mental health
Abstract
We examined health-related quality of life in adults in the Louisiana Health Aging Study (LHAS) after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (HK/R) that made landfall on the U.S. Gulf Coast region in 2005. Analyses of pre- and post-disaster SF-36 scores yielded changes in physical function and bodily pain. Mental health scores were lower for women than men. Gender differences were observed in religious beliefs and religious coping, favoring women. Religious beliefs and religious coping were negatively correlated with physical function, implying that stronger reliance on religiosity as a coping mechanism may be more likely among those who are less physically capable.
Original Publication Citation
*Brown, J. S., Cherry, K. E., Marks, L. D., Volaufova, J., Lefante, C., & Jazwinski, S. M. (2010). After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: Gender differences in physical function and psychological well-being in middle-aged and older adults. Health Care for Women International, 31, 997-1012.
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Brown, Jennifer Silva; Cherry, Katie E.; Marks, Loren D.; Jackson, Erin M.; Volaufova, Juila; Lefante, Christina; and Jazwinski, S. Michael, "After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: Gender Differences in Health and Religiosity in Middle-Aged and Older Adults" (2010). Faculty Publications. 4910.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/4910
Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
2010-10-04
Permanent URL
http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7714
Publisher
Health Care for Women International
Language
English
College
Family, Home, and Social Sciences
Department
Family Life
Copyright Status
Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
Copyright Use Information
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