Floods are a common occurrence in Australia, and with climate change, their frequency and severity are expected to rise. A new scoping review led by UCRH researchers has reviewed the health impacts of flooding in Australia over the past 70 years, highlighting significant findings and research gaps.
The study analyzed 69 publications from 1951 to 2023, focusing on the health effects of floods. The most studied impacts were post-traumatic stress disorder, distress, and child developmental outcomes. Recent research has particularly looked at prenatal maternal stress, child outcomes, and mental health impacts. However, there has been little focus on socially vulnerable groups and long-term health effects.
This review also mapped out the network of researchers working on flood-related health issues, showing a strong focus on specific diseases. The findings aim to guide future research and help Australia and other countries better understand and address the health impacts of flooding.
