Factors associated with receiving help and risk factors for disaster-related distress among Connecticut adults 5–15 months after the September 11th terrorist incidents

Background To obtain prevalence estimates and identify factors associated with psychological problems and receipt of help by a geographically proximate population in which some persons had direct exposure but the overall prevalence of direct exposure was low, 5–15 months after the September 11th, 2001 terrorist incidents. Method Telephone survey data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) (Connecticut Module) with a randomly selected cohort of 2741 women and 1899 men aged 18 and older were examined using bivariate Chi Square and multivariate logistic regression analyses of weighted data. Results One in three respondents reported 9/11-related psychological problems, 26% of whom reported receiving formal services or peer support. Risk factors for reporting psychological problems included being surveyed earlier, female gender, age 64 or younger, Hispanic ethnicity, disability, recent depression, and reporting one day or more in the past 30 of poor mental health, sleep problems or worry. Poor mental health was associated with receipt of formal services, and increased alcohol use was associated with receipt of peer support. Conclulsion In the post-impact recovery period following mass trauma, psychological problems by persons with ongoing mental health conditions or increased alcohol use warrant continuing public and professional attention. Women, Hispanics, and disabled adults also may be under-served