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International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research logoLink to International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research
. 2008 Nov 26;17(Suppl 2):S21–S28. doi: 10.1002/mpr.267

Sampling and design challenges in studying the mental health consequences of disasters

Sandro Galea 1,2,3,✉, Andrea R Maxwell 2,3, Fran Norris 4,5
PMCID: PMC6879088  PMID: 19035439

Abstract

Disasters are unpredictable and frequently lead to chaotic post‐disaster situations, creating numerous methodologic challenges for the study of the mental health consequences of disasters. In this commentary, we expand on some of the issues addressed by Kessler and colleagues, largely focusing on the particular challenges of (a) defining, finding, and sampling populations of interest after disasters and (b) designing studies in ways that maximize the potential for valid inference. We discuss these challenges – drawing on specific examples – and suggest potential approaches to each that may be helpful as a guide for future work. We further suggest research directions that may be most helpful in moving the field forward. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Keywords: trauma, research design, epidemiology, population health

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