Investigating the Relationship Between Disaster Preparedness Knowledge, Disaster Related Stress, and Post-Disaster Depression Among Students and Faculty in Higher Education

The worldwide prevalence of disasters exposes students, staff, and faculty at colleges and universities to multiple disasters, potentially impacting their mental health. This study investigates the influence of cumulative disaster-related stressors on depression among 1,497 higher education participants. Results from modified Poisson regression analyses reveal that individuals exposed to cumulative stressors (COVID-19 and Hurricane Sandy) have a higher prevalence of depression (PR 4.20; 95% CI: 1.45-6.12) compared to those without such exposure. The relationship was confounded when disaster preparedness knowledge factors (specifically, medication and grocery delivery knowledge) were added to the model (PR 3.75; 95% CI: 1.36-5.47). These results underscore the importance of integrating disaster preparedness knowledge into mental health interventions for the higher education community. Adapting interventions based on individual preparedness knowledge levels, especially for students and staff, can be a critical strategy in mitigating the impact of disasters on mental health in higher education settings.