Maternal Health in the Aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in Puerto Rico

Abstract

OPS 11: Health effects of climate change in low- and middle-income countries, Room 114, Floor 1, August 27, 2019, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Background: Prior to Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico had 200+ hazardous waste sites, significant contamination of water resources, and marked disparities in reproductive health, including higher rates of preterm birth, low birthweight, and infant mortality compared to the mainland US. Since 2010, the Puerto Rico Testsite for Exploring Contamination Threats (PROTECT) Center has been investigating prenatal environmental exposures and preterm birth on the island. When Maria struck Puerto Rico in September 2017, there were 102 pregnant PROTECT participants. Previous research suggests that pregnant women who experience a natural disaster are at higher risk of adverse birth outcomes. Methods: In Fall 2018, we administered a questionnaire to identify hurricane-related sources of stress and environmental exposures to women who were pregnant during Maria or who became pregnant in the aftermath (n=176). Demographic and health data were obtained from the PROTECT database. Results: Women who continued participation or enrolled in PROTECT after Maria had slightly higher income and education compared to previous participants. Currently, 122 women have completed the questionnaire, 7 declined, 2 are pending, and 45 were unreachable. On average, respondents were without electricity for 108 days, and 88% reported use of a power generator during the emergency. In the aftermath of the hurricane, 10% of women reported having asthma during pregnancy and 16% indicated having problems completing their prenatal visits. 24% indicated living in a place other than their pre-hurricane residence, 65% indicated damages to their property, and 31% reported living with stagnant water near or inside their homes. Conclusions: Analysis of questionnaire data in relation to hurricane-related exposures and stress, as well as birth outcomes, is in progress. This work, along with ongoing community engagement efforts, will identify ways to minimize the impact of future natural disasters on maternal and child health in Puerto Rico.