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This study examines the effectiveness of preventive interventions in mitigating mental health disorders among survivors of natural hazards and disaster responders. While the prevalence of conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety is known to be elevated in these populations, research on preventive measures remains limited. Given the increasing frequency and intensity of natural hazards due to climate change, understanding how to integrate mental health prevention into disaster response plans is critical. This study systematically evaluates existing evidence on the efficacy of these interventions, comparing their impact against passive control conditions.

The findings indicate no overall evidence supporting the effectiveness of preventive interventions in reducing PTSD, depression, or anxiety symptoms immediately after intervention. However, there is some indication of delayed benefits emerging within 2 to 7.5 months, though this is based on a limited number of high-quality studies. Notably, two studies focusing on disaster responders suggest that prevention programs may effectively reduce PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms in this subgroup. These results highlight an urgent need for further high-quality research, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of natural hazards is disproportionately high. Policymakers should prioritize funding for timely and rigorous prevention research to improve disaster-related mental health interventions.