Community health assessment report, Dec 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

A total score of 44 or above on a validated 17-item screening for symptoms of PTSD is suggestive of PTSD and may indicate a need for further mental health evaluation [Blanchard et al, 1996]. Almost 40% of the respondents who were administered the screening had a score of 44 or greater (approximately 5,000 individuals, when projected). Those with a high score were more likely to have received counseling (39%) and more likely to say they would benefit from further counseling (52%), compared to those with a score below 44. Approximately 44% of the individuals who had a high score and said they would benefit from further counseling, also reported they lacked adequate access to such counseling. It should also be noted, that among those who scored high on the PTSD screening, almost half thought they would not benefit from any or additional supportive counseling. This finding suggests that there are people suffering from symptoms of PTSD who may not recognize their need for counseling. Education regarding the benefits and availability of supportive counseling may be indicated for this group.

TABLE 2: Supportive Counseling by PTSD Score

PTSD Score Total {n=414) <44(n=253) ^44(n=161) % received supportive 27.6% (113/410) 20.3% (51/251) 39.0% (62/159) counseling % would benefit from any or additional supportive 35.8% (147/411) 25.6% (64/250) 51.6% (83/161) counseling % would benefit from additional counseling, and 34.5% (51/148) 22.2% (14/63) 43.5% (37/85) lacked adequate access to such counseling Note; Sample size differs across cells due to some missing responses and a skip pattern.

Access to Health Services: With respect to access to health-related services, only 7% of the interviewees reported that they lacked adequate access to needed medical care. In addition, 14% of respondents noted they had problems filling prescriptions. Problems with phone lines, limited transportation and/or street closings were barriers identified by some of these interviewees.

Information Needed by Residents: All respondents said they needed more information regarding a range of topics, to help them respond and recover from the WTC attack. The topics of most interest to this population related to air quality, its safety and its effect on the physical health of both adults and children (70% said they wanted more information about air quality). There is a need for more information regarding the potential risks from exposure to the dust and debris that continues to be emitted from the WTC site. Related to this topic, 35% of the respondents reported that they needed more information regarding cleaning. Specifically, people need information about how to safely and properly clean their 1) individual apartments, 2) air conditioners, 3) terraces and 4) building exteriors. Information is also needed regarding how to obtain and

Community Needs Assessment 9

NYC-WTC_000150502