Richard E. Adams, PhD and Joseph A. Boscarino, PhD, MPH. Division of Health and Science Policy, New York Academy of Medicine, 1216 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029-5293, 212-822-7290, radams@nyam.org

Objective: This study examines the association between exposure to the World Trade Center disaster (WTCD), alcohol use, and psychological and physical well-being for New York City (NYC) residents one and two years after the attacks. Methods: The data come from a two-wave longitudinal study. Using random-digit dialing, all English or Spanish-speaking NYC residents who were living in NYC on September 11, 2001 were eligible. Wave 1 (W1) interviews occurred between October and December, 2002, and Wave 2 interviews occurred between October, 2003, and January, 2004. Measures: Physical and psychological health were assessed during Wave 2 using the Short Form-12 (SF-12) physical health and mental health components. The analyses included five demographic variables from W1: age, education, gender, ethnicity, and marital status. WTCD exposure was the sum of 13 events that the responded could have experienced during the attacks. W1 alcohol use increase 1 year post-WTCD was dummy coded. Four other measures of stressful events were: negative life event scale (W2); the traumatic events scale (W2); meeting criteria for having a panic attack during the attacks; and life-time depression. We also included a measure of self-esteem and social support. Except where indicated, all independent variables were from W1. Results: Controlling for the independent variables, the more exposure respondents had to the WTCD the worse their physical and psychological health at W2. Increased alcohol use was associated with poorer mental health, but better physical health. Conclusion: Exposure to the WTCD continues affect both physical and mental health.

Learning Objectives:

• The reader will have information linking community disasters to measures of physical and mental health.
• The reader will be able to discuss the ways other life events, social support, and psychological resources modify the associations between a community disaster, increases in alcohol use, and well-being.
• Identify possible pathways by which community disasters increase the vulnerability of survivors to other stressful events.

Keywords: Disasters, Mental Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.