Volume 31, Issue 2: April, 2004

Abstract

National Study of Behavioral and Life Changes Since September 11

Mohammad R. Torabi, PhD, MPH, CHES, and Dong-Chul Seo, PhD, MS, CHES

Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 (9-11), terrorism poses a continuous threat to those living in the United States. A substantial number of people may have experienced behavioral and life changes since the attacks, with possible implications for public health. This study investigated behavioral and life changes American people have experienced since the attacks. Using random-digit dialing that included unpublished numbers and new listings, a nationally representative cross-sectional sample of 807 U.S. adults ages 18 or older was interviewed. Logistic regression analyses indicated that gender, age, race/ethnicity, and employment status were significant predictors for experiencing different outcome variables. The qualitative data obtained from an open-ended question regarding life changes were analyzed and synthesized. The 9-11 events have considerably affected Americans’ lifestyles and behavior, which may have various implications for public health policy makers and educators.