Category: NYU Faculty

In the event of a traumatic experience, disaster responders and rescue workers are expected to efficiently and productively respond, often at the expense of their mental well-being. The authors of this study aimed to explore the role of different coping styles on probable Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other covariates.

A study on survivors of the World Trade Center building attack observes the covariance of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with lower-respiratory illnesses (LRS). The study aims to identify methods to manage and treat the disorders. Using the World Trade Center Health Registry, semi-structured interviews were conducted on 100 eligible enrollees, and data were analyzed using a thematic analysis coding protocol. 

Infectious disease outbreaks and bio-events are becoming increasingly common due to human overpopulation, inadequate health care and public health infrastructure, rapid globalization, and misuse of antibiotics. The impacts of poor farming and land-use practices, declining vaccination rates, and as a result of climate change can impact the frequency and severity of these events.

In an emergency disaster, essential workers are expected to report to duty. Research articles published over thirty years ago caution that emergency planners have to take into account that personnel has varying degrees of willingness and ability to report. For instance, during infectious disease outbreaks, the fear of contagion is greater, and “dilemmas of loyalty” or personal obligations can conflict with professional expectations leading to staff shortages.