How social relationships affect mental health treatment in Puerto Rican migrants after Hurricane Maria

The Role of Social Relationships in Behavioral Health Treatment-Seeking in Post-Maria Puerto Rican Migrants

NIH-funded research Boston College · NIH-10884890

This study looks at how friendships and community support affect Puerto Rican migrants' willingness to get mental health help after Hurricane Maria, aiming to find out what encourages or prevents them from seeking care so that better services can be created for them.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston College NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chestnut Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-10884890 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of social relationships, such as support and integration, on the willingness of Puerto Rican migrants to seek behavioral health treatment after Hurricane Maria. It focuses on understanding how these relationships influence both the perceived need for treatment and the actual use of health services. By combining quantitative survey data and qualitative interviews, the study aims to uncover the barriers and facilitators related to mental health care in this population. The findings will help develop culturally appropriate outreach and services to better meet the needs of Latinx migrants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Puerto Rican migrants who have experienced the effects of Hurricane Maria and are navigating behavioral health challenges.

Not a fit: Patients who are not of Puerto Rican descent or who have not been affected by Hurricane Maria may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to mental health services for Puerto Rican migrants, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that social relationships significantly influence health-seeking behaviors in various populations, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Chestnut Hill, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions DiseaseDisorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.