Mental Health Consequences of Riverbank Erosion: Examining Anxiety and PTSD Among Affected Communities in Southwestern Bangladesh

Natural disasters, including tropical cyclones, tidal surges, and riverbank erosion, pose severe environmental and socio-economic challenges. Among these, riverbank erosion has emerged as a critical issue in Bangladesh, leading to both physical displacement and psychological distress. Despite its far-reaching consequences, limited research has examined the mental health impacts of riverbank erosion, particularly in relation to anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This cross-sectional study investigates the prevalence and determinants of anxiety and PTSD among communities affected by riverbank erosion in the southwestern region of Bangladesh, specifically in Gabura Union, located in the Shyamnagar sub-district of Satkhira District. The study was conducted between May and July 2024, using a multistage stratified sampling strategy. A total of 385 residents, aged 12 to 65 years, who have lived in the area for more than 15 years and have no previous diagnosed mental disorders, were surveyed. Among these, 280 were exposed to severe riverbank erosion, while 105 were not. Data were collected using valid scales for PTSD (PCL-5) and anxiety (GAD-7), and key risk factors, such as loss of livestock, displacement, and social support, were also assessed. Findings reveal that 63.63% of participants experienced anxiety, while 69.87% exhibited symptoms of PTSD, with significantly higher prevalence among those directly impacted by erosion. Vulnerability was particularly pronounced among middle-aged individuals (30–49 years), those from joint families, illiterate individuals, and those earning less than 10,000 Taka per month. The erosion-induced devastation resulted in 63.57% of respondents losing livestock and 64.65% experiencing displacement, exacerbating risks of PTSD, anxiety, insomnia, and suicidal ideation. However, social support played a crucial role in mitigating psychological distress. The study underscores the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions and social assistance programs to support affected populations. Policy measures should focus on enhancing resilience through community-based mental health care and sustainable social protection strategies.