MMWR News Synopsis

Articles

Community Assessment for Mental and Physical Health Effects After Hurricane Irma — Florida Keys, May 2019

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

During the 20 months after Hurricane Irma, residents of the Florida Keys reported worsening of anxiety (17%) and depression (11%) as well as a need for mental health services (17%). Estimated suicide risk was 7%. There may be an increased need for mental health services after disasters so communities should plan in advance how to strengthen mental health service delivery. Disasters can adversely affect population health, resulting in increased need for health services. Hurricane Irma made landfall in the Florida Keys as a Category 4 hurricane on September 10, 2017. During 2018, the county suicide rate increased; consequently, in May 2019, the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) conducted an in-person community survey. The objectives were to assess the community’s mental, physical, and economic health to develop public health interventions to decrease the suicide rate. The assessment found that 17% of households reported a need for a mental health care provider during the 20 months since Hurricane Irma. Respondents reported worsening of respiratory conditions (18%), anxiety (17%), and depression (11%). FDOH is using this information to revise emergency preparedness plans and to collaborate with local stakeholders to improve access to mental health services. Emergency preparedness plans should consider strengthening mental health service delivery after a hurricane, particularly during the long-term recovery phase.

Prevalence of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision for HIV Infection Prevention — Chókwè District, Mozambique, 2014–2019

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

Male circumcision is an important intervention in helping protect males from getting HIV from heterosexual sex. An analysis of 2014-2019 data from a program to promote circumcision for HIV prevention in Chókwè District, Mozambique, shows circumcision among men aged 15–59 years increased  from 50% to 74%; however, the prevalence among those 25–59 years remained below the national objective of 80%. A strategy addressing concerns about the safety of the procedure, cultural norms, and competing priorities could help overcome barriers to circumcision among males aged ≥25 years. A recent data analysis of a voluntary male circumcision program in Chókwè District, Mozambique, showed increased circumcision services among men 15–59 years old. To lower their risk of HIV infection, the program aimed to achieve 80% of men being circumcised. As of 2019, 90% of men aged 15–24 years were circumcised, while less than 80% of men aged 25–59 were circumcised. Although participants reported a commitment to become circumcised, various reasons were cited as barriers, including fear of complications and cultural reasons. Strategies to address these barriers include expanding the availability of services through extended hours, educating men on the benefits of male circumcision, providing additional community-based services, and conducting campaigns targeting men aged 25–59 years. Additionally, women, who nearly universally supported circumcision in the Chókwè District, could help encourage circumcision among male sexual partners, family, and friends.

Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Suicidal Ideation Among State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Public Health Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, March–April 2021 (Early Release June 25, 2021)

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

Disparities in Learning Mode Access Among K–12 Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic, by Race/Ethnicity, Geography, and Grade Level — United States, September 2020–April 2021 (Early Release June 29, 2021)

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

• Percentage of Adults Aged ≥18 Years with Diagnosed Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, by Urbanization Level and Age Group — National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2019

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