Health Disparities
Climate-Related Shocks Associated with Depression and Anxiety in Bangladesh: Exploring Geographical and Socioeconomic Inequalities JUWEL RANA* JUWEL RANA Arnab Dey Khandaker Jafor Ahmed
Climate change–related extreme weather events have significant implications for mental health, yet evidence of their impact in disaster-prone Bangladesh remains limited. This study examines the associations between climate-related shocks and depression and anxiety among reproductive-age women and explores geographic and socioeconomic disparities in these relationships. A retrospective cohort was constructed using the 2022 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS). Data on annual floods and storms (2017–2022) were obtained from the DMT global dataset. Each participant was assigned a total number of events they experienced (based on district of residence) during 2020–May 2022. The district was also assigned the INFORM Risk Index for floods in Bangladesh. Depression and anxiety were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scales, respectively. Multivariable Generalized Estimating Equations with an exchangeable covariance structure were applied to estimate the risk of depression and anxiety associated with extreme weather events. Regional and socioeconomic disparities were assessed using the Cochrane Q-test statistic. A total of 19,012 women (aged 15–49) were included. The national weighted prevalence of depression was 20.0%, while anxiety stood at 5.2%. Exposure to flooding within three years preceding the survey increased the risk of both depression (1.21 [1.09–1.34], p<0.047) and anxiety (1.08 [1.00–1.17], p=0.045). High flood-prone districts were linked to elevated risks of these conditions. Significant geographic and socioeconomic disparities were observed in the flood–mental health relationship. Special attention should be given to the most affected districts and vulnerable groups to effectively mitigate the associated health risks.