2023
Author(s): Vega A, Carl Y, Molina-Perez X, Collazo-Malave G, Ortiz-Camacho K, Gonzalez-Burgos B, Martir-Gonzalez S, Villalobos C, Ferrer-Burgos R, Inostroza-Nieves Y
This study provides a mental health assessment of the homeless of Puerto Rico, compared to a non-homeless sample, in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Multi-stage sampling was used to assess risk of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, as well as provide a demographic profile of the homeless and non-homeless of Puerto Rico. The homeless, compared to non-homeless, had a significantly higher risk for all tested mental disorders. Pre-hurricane homeless had significantly higher risk for Major Depressive Disorder and severe mood and anxiety disorders compared to post. This study highlights the need for disaster preparedness strategies specific to this disproportionately affected population.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10875549.2023.2235360