A five year study that Australian Red Cross has been partnering in, with the University of Melbourne, has been finalised.

The study examined the long term effects of health effects of the impacts of the bushfires,a nd had over 1000 participants

Five years after the event, 21% of respondents were suffering from post traumatic stress. The importance of social ties was demonstrated to be of singificnat benefit.

Red Cross led a specific piece of work examining the long term impacts of separation and reunification, finding that seapration in disaster does have a long term mental health effect.  

Further information, John Richardson jfrichardson@redcross.org.au

Beyond Bushfire Research Presentation
http://www.bef.net.au/study.htm