Addressing non-communicable disease management during disasters in the US Virgin Islands

A mixed methods study

Bibliographic Data

ID22069293
AuthorsMichelle Teresa Wiciak (0000-0001-5587-1549, Emory University), Stephen Perez (Emory University), T Anne Richards (0000-0001-7788-7146, University of the Virgin Islands), Tess Richards, Karla Escobar (0000-0002-8722-0350, Emory University), Daryl Paul Evans (0000-0002-2201-5655, Emory University), Marcella Nunez-Smith (0000-0003-2797-4756, Yale University), Saria Hassan (0000-0003-0700-9529, Emory University, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume13
Pages1606631-1606631
Publication date2025-09-12
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2025.1606631
PMID41018766
OpenAlexW4414262384
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited38

Introduction: Extreme weather events, like hurricanes Irma and Maria, have disproportionately impacted individuals with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), exacerbating health disparities due to healthcare disruptions. The USVI and other Caribbean islands face increased morbidity and mortality from NCDs from rising risk factors and lack of improving in quality of care. This study explores the experiences of individuals with NCDs during these hurricanes to identify strategies for improving disaster preparedness and response. Methods: A mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in St. Thomas, USVI. One-hundred and thirteen quantitative surveys assessed preparedness, healthcare access, and mental health impacts. Fifteen semi-structured qualitative interviews provided deeper insights into patient experiences and coping strategies. Data integration followed a narrative approach. Results: Quantitative findings revealed nearly one third of participants struggled to manage their NCDs post-disaster, citing stress-related exacerbation of conditions (42.3%), lack of medication access (34.6%), and disrupted healthcare services (34.6%). Mental health burdens were significant, with nearly a third reporting anxiety (28%) and depression (27.8%), and 5.2% meeting PTSD criteria. Many participants (39.7%) had not received disaster preparedness information tailored to NCDs, with only 47.5% receiving guidance from healthcare providers. Qualitative interviews underscored these findings, highlighting that NCD management was deprioritized post-disaster due to immediate survival needs. Participants emphasized the role of family and community support in coping, yet also noted mental health stigma and limited healthcare access as ongoing barriers. Preferred communication strategies included social media, radio, and trusted sources. Conclusion: Findings reveal critical gaps in disaster preparedness for persons with NCDs in the USVI. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure, enhancing mental health support, and providing targeted education can improve resilience and reduce morbidity in future disasters

Disaster planning · Disaster preparedness · Disease · Disease management · Emergency management · Health care · Mental health · Preparedness · Disaster Management and Resilience · Disaster Response and Management · Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research