Household Experience of Flood and Its Effect on Anxiety: Investigating the Mediating Role of Place Attachment and Perceived Safety in Totope and Keta

Abstract

Natural disasters, especially flooding, could and often do affect different populations, but a portion of those affected typically experience clinically significant stress and anxiety symptoms, which may necessitate the assistance of mental health professionals. The recent trend of global flooding, mostly driven by climate-related issues, will exacerbate the mental health issues associated with flooding. This study examined how place attachment and perceived safety mediate the relationship between flooding and anxiety. Using the Evaluating Health Impact of Climate Adaptation Strategies (EHICAS) Data, collected by the Regional Institute for Population Studies, University of Ghana in 2021, the study employed a quantitative approach to understand the relationship between experience of flood and anxiety disorders in selected flood-prone coastal communities in Ghana. The results showed that a quarter of the respondents did not experience any anxiety as a result of the flood experience, while three-quarters of the respondents suffered some anxiety. From the results, 47.5% of the respondents did not feel safe in their communities, while 31.5% felt safe. The remaining respondents were indifferent about their perception of safety in the community. The results further showed that 63% of the respondents were indifferent about their attachment to their communities, while 21% showed they were attached to their communities and 16% showed they had no attachments. The final model of the study showed that people who experience flood do not necessarily experience anxiety but their perception of safety was a more significant predictor of an individual’s experience of anxiety. Some other significant predictors of anxiety are income and household tenure. The study recommends that measures be in place to meet the psychological needs of flood victims. Collaborating with mental health professionals, educating the populace on the psychological impacts of floods and involving the community in supporting flood victims are some of the measures that can be put in place.