Disaster Exposure and Mental Health Among Puerto Rican Youths After Hurricane Maria

• 2019

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• Rosaura Orengo-Aguayo; Regan Stewart; Michael de Arellano; Joy Lynn Suarez-Kindy; John Young
PMID: 31026024DOI: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.2619

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About

This study examined the mental health of youths in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria in 2017, which caused massive damage and mortality. A survey was conducted with students 5-9 months after the hurricane to assess their exposure to hurricane-related stressors and mental health outcomes. The results showed high levels of post traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) and depression symptoms among the youths, with girls more affected than boys. The study is being used by the Puerto Rico Department of Education to improve mental health services for Puerto Rican youths.

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Tags

Focus Areas: Mental Health; Natural Disasters

Audiences: Behavioral Health Professionals; Physicians; Public Health Professionals; Schools & Childcare Providers

Emergency Management Stage: Recovery

Collection: Disaster Research Literature Review

Keywords: Depression; Disasters; Mental Health; Puerto Rico; Risk Factors; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Cyclonic Storms

Institutions: Medical University of South Carolina; Albizu University; University of Mississippi

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