Abstract
Individuals who survive natural disasters such, experience tremendous physical, emotional, psychological, socioeconomic, and environmental effects, which are compounded by the loss of family members and close friends. These individuals are at risk of developing Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), a mental illness characterized by pervasive yearning for the deceased accompanied by intense emotional pain. Core symptoms include a reduced ability to experience a positive mood, difficulties accepting the death of the loved one along with emotional detachment since the loss, loneliness, identity disturbance, and sense of meaninglessness. This study aims to i) provide descriptives of health behaviors, disease prevalence, demographics, and social and environmental inequities; ii) measure prevalence of PGD in the sampled population; and iii) identify risk factors of PGD in the sampled population using a hierarchical regression method. Data is being collected from bereaved Puerto Ricans who survived hurricane Maria in 2017. The design utilizes a quantitative, cross-sectional approach to collect primary data on behaviors, disease prevalence, demographics, healthcare access, socio-economic factors, prevalence of PGD and risk factors associated with PGD. This study is expected to fill the gap in research on the prevalence of PGD among Puerto Ricans who experienced hurricane Maria in 2017. The knowledge gained from this research, will inform current approaches used to address mental illnesses post natural disasters. This work will guide the training of mental health providers, ensuring they are equipped to recognize and address grief-related disorders, leading to better mental healthcare provision and improved health outcomes for those affected by disasters.
Presenters
Apeksha MewaniAssistant Professor, Health Equity, Administration, and Technology, City University of New York, New York, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
Human Impacts and Responsibility
KEYWORDS
Prolonged Grief Disorder, Natural Disasters, Mental Health, Prevalence, Risk-factors
