Impact of Hurricanes Irma and Maria on Puerto Rico Maternal and Child Health Research Programs

Author:

Welton, Michael, Vélez Vega, Carmen M, Murphy, Colleen B, Rosario, Zaira, Torres, Hector, Russell, Elle, and Cordero, José F.

Editor:

First

Date:

2019

Region:

Caribbean

Theme:

Gender and Cyclones, Hurricanes, and Typhoons

Language:

English

Publisher:

Maternal and Child Health Journal

Full Harvard Reference:

Welton, Michael, Vélez Vega, Carmen M, Murphy, Colleen B, Rosario, Zaira, Torres, Hector, Russell, Elle, . . . Cordero, José F. (2019). Impact of Hurricanes Irma and Maria on Puerto Rico Maternal and Child Health Research Programs. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 24(1), 22-29.

A reflective study where authors describe how their research programmes were affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria in Puerto Rico, how they responded to the needs of the team and study participants, and how they were able to quickly resume research activities. Major challenges post-hurricanes were access to care and nutrition, maternal stress, and environmental damage. The team focuses on the need to integrate disaster preparedness into programs’ operating procedures and future applications, recognizing that these events will recur.