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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Chad Thomas, MPH, Brenda Seals, PhD, MPH, and Alice Hausman, PhD, MPH. Department of Public Health, Temple University, 1700 N. Broad St., Room 304, Philadelphia, PA 19122, 215-204-0968, crthomas@temple.edu

Purpose: Pennsylvania has experienced many natural disasters, primarily annual flooding, which can cause significant problems with sanitation, injury, and loss of property. Geographically, Pennsylvania is located near sites of man-made attacks such as anthrax and September 11, 2001. Unfortunately, little is known about how contact with disaster survivors affects public concern about future events. This study provides information regarding public concerns relevant for policy planning. Methods: A representative sample of 1618 individuals completed the 2004 Temple University Quality of Life survey. This weighted state-wide, cross-sectional, random-digit dialed (RDD) study of Pennsylvania adults asked if "you or someone you know" was exposed to disasters or terrorist events, and their level of concern about possible disasters in the next two years. Results: Respondents reported knowing natural disaster survivors (41%) and persons affected by 9/11 (10%). Elevated disaster concerns were reported by 60% of those knowing someone affected by natural disasters, and 62% knowing someone affected by 9/11. Survey respondents with the highest level of concern about future disaster and terrorist attacks were from lower income brackets, non-whites, and renters. No large differences were found for age, sex, or number of children under 18 in the home. Conclusion: Disaster policy and planning should address concerns among poor and minority populations. Public health infrastructure should include poor and minority communities in disaster planning and exercises, especially given the recent Katrina disaster. Increasing public health infrastructure to address concerns in these communities may be critical for future cooperation in evacuation, vaccination, and exposure treatment measures.

Learning Objectives: