A recent study published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology has shed light on the association between solar radiation exposure and mood disorders among residents in the U.S. Gulf states. The study, part of the Gulf Long-term Follow-up (GuLF) Study, aimed to investigate the health effects of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill on residents in the Gulf region.
The study included over 32,000 adults aged 21 and older who participated in oil spill response or training. Participants underwent home visits that included mental health screenings using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Kessler Quick Inventory of Distress (K6). Solar radiation exposure data were obtained from the Daymet database, offering high-resolution climate data.
Results of the study revealed that higher levels of solar radiation exposure were associated with decreased psychological distress but not depression. Seasonal variations showed increased distress in Spring and Summer and decreased in Fall. Additionally, sex differences indicated that males benefited more from high solar radiation exposure.
The findings suggest that the effects of solar radiation on mental health outcomes are complex and influenced by various factors such as season, age, and sex. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between solar radiation and mood disorders and to develop targeted interventions to support mental health in at-risk populations.
