Abstract
We examined the persistence of psychiatric disorders at approximately 18 and 30 months after a hurricane among a random sample
of the child and adolescent population (4–17 years) of Puerto Rico. Data were obtained from caretaker-child dyads (N = 1,886) through in person interviews with primary caretakers (all children) and youth (11–17 years) using the Diagnostic
Interview Schedule for Children IV in Spanish. Logistic regressions, controlling for sociodemographic variables, were used
to study the relation between disaster exposure and internalizing, externalizing, or any disorder. Children’s disaster-related
distress manifested as internalizing disorders, rather than as externalizing disorders at 18 months post-disaster. At 30 months,
there was no longer a significant difference in rates of disorder between hurricane-exposed and non-exposed youth. Results
were similar across age ranges. Rates of specific internalizing disorders between exposed and unexposed children are provided.
Research and clinical implications are discussed.
of the child and adolescent population (4–17 years) of Puerto Rico. Data were obtained from caretaker-child dyads (N = 1,886) through in person interviews with primary caretakers (all children) and youth (11–17 years) using the Diagnostic
Interview Schedule for Children IV in Spanish. Logistic regressions, controlling for sociodemographic variables, were used
to study the relation between disaster exposure and internalizing, externalizing, or any disorder. Children’s disaster-related
distress manifested as internalizing disorders, rather than as externalizing disorders at 18 months post-disaster. At 30 months,
there was no longer a significant difference in rates of disorder between hurricane-exposed and non-exposed youth. Results
were similar across age ranges. Rates of specific internalizing disorders between exposed and unexposed children are provided.
Research and clinical implications are discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-12
- DOI 10.1007/s10802-010-9483-1
- Authors
- Erika Felix, Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9490, USA
- Lino A. Hernández, Behavioral Sciences Research Institute, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, PO Box 365067, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-5067
- Milagros Bravo, Behavioral Sciences Research Institute, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, PO Box 365067, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-5067
- Rafael Ramirez, Behavioral Sciences Research Institute, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, PO Box 365067, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-5067
- Jose Cabiya, Carlos Albizu Univeristy, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Glorisa Canino, Behavioral Sciences Research Institute, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, PO Box 365067, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-5067
- Journal Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology
- Online ISSN 1573-2835
- Print ISSN 0091-0627