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What is it about?

This study explores how PTSD symptoms after Hurricane Maria relate to substance use among Puerto Rican youths. Using data from over 91,000 students, it identifies key PTSD symptoms, such as irritability and sleep disruption, and their connections to substance use.

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Why is it important?

Natural disasters like Hurricane Maria can severely impact youth mental health, leading to PTSD and risky behaviors like substance use. This research identifies specific symptoms and social support gaps that can guide targeted interventions to help youth cope more effectively after disasters.

Perspectives

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This study highlights the resilience and challenges faced by Puerto Rican youth after Hurricane Maria. Understanding how PTSD symptoms interact with substance use offers crucial insights for designing interventions that address both individual needs and systemic inequities in disaster recovery.

Dr. Alejandro L. Vázquez
University of Tennessee Knoxville

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: A network analysis of Hurricane Maria–related traumatic stress and substance use among Puerto Rican youth, Journal of Traumatic Stress, January 2024, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1002/jts.23008.
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