Post-traumatic stress disorder in adult population of La Palma (Spain) after the 2021 Tajogaite eruption: Environmental and sociodemographic predictors

Abstract

The adverse mental health effects of exposure to disasters have long been recognized. Concerning PTSD and volcanic eruptions specifically, most studies have highlighted risk factors related to demographic and social factors (e.g., gender, age, and education), mental health, and those associated with the experience of the volcanic eruption (e.g., having evacuated). Establishing the demographic scope of those more likely to suffer PTSD following volcanic eruptions, as well as understanding the aggravating factors, is key to optimizing precautionary measurements and psychological interventions. In this study, we complement these analyses by exploring the role of environmental contaminants (specifically, exposure to tephra falls and exposure to SO2) together with demographic, health, and hazard experiences in contributing to PTSD. We focus on data collected after the 2021 eruption of the Tajogaite volcano (La Palma, Spain). Our results show that in addition to sex, education, distance from the volcano, evacuation status, health issues related to the eruption, mental health antecedents, and exposure to poor air quality (i.e., SO2 concentrations) are associated with higher scores of reported symptoms associated with PTSD. Our findings establish a picture of the prevalence of reported PTSD symptoms in various demographics groups and aggravating factors following the 2021 eruption of the Tajogaite volcano. Next steps could include an extended investigation of the role of air quality (as a potential synergic hazard) in shaping mental health following exposure to a primary hazard, such as a volcanic eruption.