Giuseppe
Emeritus
Disaster Preparedness Among Medically Vulnerable Populations (Am J Prev Med., abstract, edited)
[Source American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Volume 40, Issue 2 , Pages 139-143, February 2011, full text: <cite cite="http://www.ajpm-online.net/article/PIIS0749379710006136/abstract?rss=yes">Disaster Preparedness Among Medically Vulnerable Populations</cite>. Abstract, edited.]
Disaster Preparedness Among Medically Vulnerable Populations
Jeffrey W. Bethel, PhD - Amber N. Foreman, BS - Sloane C. Burke, PhD
Jeffrey W. Bethel, PhD
Affiliations : Department of Public Health, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
Corresponding Author Information: Address correspondence to: Jeffrey W. Bethel, PhD, Department of Public Health, East Carolina University, 600 Moye Boulevard, Hardy Building, Greenville NC 27834
Amber N. Foreman, BS
Affiliations: Department of Public Health, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
Sloane C. Burke, PhD
Affiliations: Department of Health Education and Promotion, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
Abstract
Background
Vulnerable populations such as those with poor health, disabilities, and chronic diseases are at an increased risk of adverse health outcomes resulting from natural disasters.
Purpose
The objective of this study was to examine the association of general health status, disability status, and chronic disease status, respectively, with disaster preparedness, among Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey respondents.
Methods
BRFSS data were obtained for six states that implemented the optional general preparedness module from 2006 through 2008. Three dependent variables were analyzed, including presence of four preparedness items (i.e., food, water, flashlight, radio); emergency evacuation plan; and 3-day supply of medication. Primary independent variables included perceived health status, disability status, and number of chronic diseases. Data were analyzed in 2010 and accounted for BRFSS complex sampling design.
Results
Respondents with fair/poor perceived health (OR=0.76, 95% CI=0.65, 0.89); a disability (activity limitation; OR=0.81, 95% CI=0.73, 0.90); and three or more chronic diseases (OR=0.77, 95% CI=0.58, 1.02) were less likely to have all four preparedness items than their healthier counterparts. However, all these groups were more likely to have a 3-day supply of medication than their healthier counterparts. Results varied for presence of an emergency evacuation plan.
Conclusions
Vulnerable populations were generally less likely to have household preparedness items but more likely to have medication supplies than their counterparts. Public health officials should target these groups to increase levels of disaster preparedness.
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[Source American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Volume 40, Issue 2 , Pages 139-143, February 2011, full text: <cite cite="http://www.ajpm-online.net/article/PIIS0749379710006136/abstract?rss=yes">Disaster Preparedness Among Medically Vulnerable Populations</cite>. Abstract, edited.]
Disaster Preparedness Among Medically Vulnerable Populations
Jeffrey W. Bethel, PhD - Amber N. Foreman, BS - Sloane C. Burke, PhD
Jeffrey W. Bethel, PhD
Affiliations : Department of Public Health, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
Corresponding Author Information: Address correspondence to: Jeffrey W. Bethel, PhD, Department of Public Health, East Carolina University, 600 Moye Boulevard, Hardy Building, Greenville NC 27834
Amber N. Foreman, BS
Affiliations: Department of Public Health, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
Sloane C. Burke, PhD
Affiliations: Department of Health Education and Promotion, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
Abstract
Background
Vulnerable populations such as those with poor health, disabilities, and chronic diseases are at an increased risk of adverse health outcomes resulting from natural disasters.
Purpose
The objective of this study was to examine the association of general health status, disability status, and chronic disease status, respectively, with disaster preparedness, among Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey respondents.
Methods
BRFSS data were obtained for six states that implemented the optional general preparedness module from 2006 through 2008. Three dependent variables were analyzed, including presence of four preparedness items (i.e., food, water, flashlight, radio); emergency evacuation plan; and 3-day supply of medication. Primary independent variables included perceived health status, disability status, and number of chronic diseases. Data were analyzed in 2010 and accounted for BRFSS complex sampling design.
Results
Respondents with fair/poor perceived health (OR=0.76, 95% CI=0.65, 0.89); a disability (activity limitation; OR=0.81, 95% CI=0.73, 0.90); and three or more chronic diseases (OR=0.77, 95% CI=0.58, 1.02) were less likely to have all four preparedness items than their healthier counterparts. However, all these groups were more likely to have a 3-day supply of medication than their healthier counterparts. Results varied for presence of an emergency evacuation plan.
Conclusions
Vulnerable populations were generally less likely to have household preparedness items but more likely to have medication supplies than their counterparts. Public health officials should target these groups to increase levels of disaster preparedness.
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