Understanding Socioeconomic and Psychological Vulnerabilities in Post-Disaster Recovery: Insights from the Displaced New Orleans Residents Survey

Communities susceptible to disasters frequently endure severe socio-economic and psychological repercussions. Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly understand the various vulnerabilities encountered by different groups. Residents of New Orleans, Louisiana, faced significant hardships after Hurricane Katrina hit on 29 August 2005. A multitude of individuals lost their residences, while others, regrettably, lost family members. The Displaced New Orleans Residents Survey (DNORS) offered significant insights into individuals and households living in New Orleans immediately prior to Hurricane Katrina’s impact in August 2005. The survey interview was conducted from mid-2009 until mid-2010. This study utilizes DNORS public data files to evaluate socio-demographic characteristics pertinent to the analysis, including age, gender, race/ethnicity, marital status, household income, education level, employment status in 2005, and insurance coverage, alongside psychological measures such as mental health symptoms, posttraumatic stress, depression, and perceived stress. The research employs various regression techniques to identify the at-risk categories affected psychologically and physically by the hurricane. These findings may aid policymakers in developing targeted post-disaster recovery strategies, thereby promoting more resilient and sustainable communities.