A network analysis of Hurricane Maria-related traumatic stress and substance use among Puerto Rican youth.

ABSTRACT: Youth exposed to natural disasters are at risk of developing trauma-related symptoms as well as engaging in substance use. Although previous research has established associations between disaster-related stressors and substance use in youth, less has focused on how symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may underpin this association. The current study used network analysis to identify specific PTSD symptoms associated with substance use following a natural disaster. Participants were 91,732 youths (Grades 3-12) from across Puerto Rico who completed a needs assessment 5-9 months after Hurricane Maria made landfall in September 2017. We examined associations between PTSD symptoms and substance use, identified clusters of symptoms and bridges between them, and explored age- and bina

SUBMITTER: Vazquez AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10984797 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature