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Trauma Exposure and Mental Health Problems among School Children 15 Months Post-Hurricane Katrina

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine prevalence, correlates and predictors of mental health in children in New Orleans 15 months post-Hurricane Katrina. Analyses were conducted on 195 children who completed self-reports of hurricane and lifetime trauma exposure, social support, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and depression. Teachers completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Children reported high incidence of PTSD symptoms: 36.9% moderate to severe and 23.6% mild. In multiple regression analyses, gender, social support, and lifetime trauma exposure, but not hurricane exposure, significantly predicted PTSD. Age, social support, and lifetime trauma exposure, but not hurricane exposure, significantly predicted child depressive symptoms. Teachers reported lower levels of problems and no significant predictors of teacher reports other than age and school. PTSD and depression were significant problems for children 15 months post-Hurricane Katrina. Lifetime trauma exposure was the strongest predictor of both PTSD and depression. Effective and accessible treatment is needed for such children.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, UCLA, 300 UCLA Medical Plaza, Suite 1315, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA

    Audra K. Langley

  2. Center for Traumatic Stress in Children & Adolescents, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, USA

    Judith A. Cohen & Anthony P. Mannarino

  3. RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, USA

    Lisa H. Jaycox, Matthais Schonlau & Molly Scott

  4. Mercy Family Center/Project Fleur-de-lis, Metaire, USA

    Douglas W. Walker & Kate L. Gegenheimer

Authors
  1. Audra K. Langley
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  2. Judith A. Cohen
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  3. Anthony P. Mannarino
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  4. Lisa H. Jaycox
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  5. Matthais Schonlau
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  6. Molly Scott
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  7. Douglas W. Walker
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  8. Kate L. Gegenheimer
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Correspondence to Audra K. Langley.

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Langley, A.K., Cohen, J.A., Mannarino, A.P. et al. Trauma Exposure and Mental Health Problems among School Children 15 Months Post-Hurricane Katrina. Journ Child Adol Trauma 6, 143–156 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1080/19361521.2013.812171

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19361521.2013.812171

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