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UKnowledge > College of Public Health > Journal of Appalachian Health > Vol. 8 (2026) > Iss. 1

 

Corresponding Author

Jarrett Walbolt; jarrett.walbolt@montreat.edu

Author Affiliations

  1. Hunter Smathers: Student, Natural and Health Sciences, Montreat College (Montreat NC); ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3320-3698
  2. Robyn York, Ed.D.: Associate Professor of Exercise Science, Natural and Health Sciences, Montreat College; ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2417-4157 
  3. Jarrett Walbolt, Ph.D.: Assistant Professor of Exercise Science, Natural and Health Sciences, Montreat College; E-mail: jarrett.walbolt@montreat.edu; ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9670-0498

Author Area of Expertise

Hunter Smathers, Student

Robyn York, Exercise Interventions

Jarrett Walbolt, Exercise/Nutrition and Mental Health

Abstract

Introduction: Hurricane Helene brought widespread damage to Southern Appalachia, disrupting utilities, health care, and recreation. While natural disasters are linked to declines in mental and physical health, few studies have examined their effects on distinct types of physical activity (PA).

Purpose: This study evaluated the effects of Hurricane Helene on perceived stress, depressive symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomology, and intentional (exercise for health benefits) and incidental (physical labor or transportation) PA. Evacuation status influence was also explored.

Methods: Twenty participants completed assessments four weeks before (BASE), immediately after (0POST), and four weeks after landfall (4POST). Measures included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Impact of Event Scale–Revised (IES-R). PA was assessed via activity recalls.

Results: PSS and PHQ-9 increased from BASE to 4POST (p = 0.002, p = 0.017; respectively). Overall PA levels remained stable, but incidental PA increased at 0POST among non-evacuated individuals (p = 0.002). Time evacuated negatively predicted hyperarousal (p = 0.007) and PSS change (p = 0.006). Baseline stress positively predicted intentional exercise at 0POST (p = 0.008), while higher PQH-9 at 4POST predicted reduced intentional exercise (p = 0.038).

Implications: Hurricane Helene increased psychological distress in a rural Appalachian population. While incidental PA increased immediately post-Helene in non-evacuated individuals, it may have exposed them to ongoing stressors. Evacuation status influenced mental health outcomes, suggesting non-evacuated individuals may face greater psychological risks. Recovery efforts in Appalachian communities should prioritize mental health support, promote exercise behaviors, and ensure infrastructure for safe evacuation.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.13023/jah.0801.02

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Smathers H, York R, Walbolt J. The effects of Hurricane Helene on mental health and physical activity. J Appalach Health 2026; 8(1):8-21. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13023/jah.0801.02

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