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Pregnant Women’s Experiences during Hurricane Maria: Impact, Personal Meaning, and Health Care Needs

Author

Listed:
  • Georgina Silva-Suarez

    (Department of Sociobehavioral and Administrative Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, San Juan, PR 00926, USA)

  • Silvia E. Rabionet

    (Department of Sociobehavioral and Administrative Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, FL 33328, USA
    School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00936, USA)

  • Carmen D. Zorrilla

    (School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00936, USA)

  • Hulda Perez-Menendez

    (School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00936, USA)

  • Solaritza Rivera-Leon

    (School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00936, USA)

Abstract

During a disaster, pregnant women are considered among the most vulnerable. Background: On 20 September 2017, the Caribbean was hit by a category 4 hurricane. The purpose of the study was to explore the impact on pregnant women during and after the hurricane regarding access to health care, social services, and support systems. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted to 10 women that were pregnant during the event. Qualitative inquiry based on the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis framework was used to interpret the narratives. Results: Five major themes emerged: meaning of living through a disaster, fear, the dual burden of protecting themselves and their unborn baby, disruption in health care, and coping mechanisms. Despite the negative feelings, most participants experienced positive transformations. They narrated how they stayed calm and coped in order to protect their pregnancy. Their overall evaluation of the healthcare system was positive. The support of friends and family was crucial pre and post-disaster. Conclusions: The interviews provided a wealth of firsthand information of women experiencing a natural disaster while pregnant. The findings underscore the need to incorporate emotional support in the preparedness and response plans for pregnant women. Educating, empowering, and incorporating families and communities is vital in these efforts.

Suggested Citation

  • Georgina Silva-Suarez & Silvia E. Rabionet & Carmen D. Zorrilla & Hulda Perez-Menendez & Solaritza Rivera-Leon, 2021. "Pregnant Women’s Experiences during Hurricane Maria: Impact, Personal Meaning, and Health Care Needs," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-8, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:16:p:8541-:d:613422
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