Mental distress and climate-related coastal hazards: Evidence from national studies in Indonesia

Introduction

Climate change has a significant impact on mental health and psychological well-being worldwide. However, the mental health consequences of rising seas linked to climate change remain limited, particularly in Indonesia. This paper aims to evaluate the risk of mental distress among individuals residing in coastal regions susceptible to climate-related natural hazards.

Method

This study utilised data from 642,419 adults who participated in the 2018 Indonesia Basic Health Survey (Riskesdas). The correlation between residing in coastal hazard zones and mental distress was analysed using a multivariable logistic regression. The analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic factors, health status, and access to healthcare.

Results

Approximately 201,109 (31.30%) live in coastal hazards area. Our analysis indicates that residents of coastal hazard areas have 1.16 times (95%CI: 1.01 – 1.33) increased likelihood of mental distress compared with non-coastal residents. Additionally, living in districts impacted by coastal abrasion and hurricane-prone areas was associated with slightly elevated odds of mental distress, 1.01 (95% CI: 1.00–1.03) and 1.00 (95% CI: 1.00–1.01), respectively. Factors associated with lower odds of mental distress include older age, higher education, being married, being employed or retired, higher household expenditure, and healthy lifestyle behaviours. In contrast, higher odds were observed among females, divorced individuals, active smokers, those with comorbidities, and individuals facing barriers to healthcare or family mental illness.

Conclusion

Residing in coastal hazard areas correlates with higher odds of mental distress. Targeted mental health interventions are essential to support these at-risk groups and lessen climate-related health risks.