Low-income non-English speaking Hispanics perceptions of trust in public health for disaster preparedness and response

Background/Purpose: The subject area of natural disasters and how they affect racial and ethnic minorities is still being explored by researchers. The topic of how natural disasters affect the Latino/Hispanic population and communities is in dire need of further research and understanding. Ethnic communities in the U.S. are more vulnerable to natural disasters due to factors such as language, housing patterns, building construction, community isolation, and cultural insensitivities.

Methods: Using a 4 item validated trust scale developed by Eisenman et al, the Morgan State University Why Culture Matters Disaster Studies Project conducted a study to examine trust among nearly 300 low-income non-English speaking Hispanics in Baltimore, Maryland.

Results/Outcomes: Unfortunately, 53% of Latino sample population reported that their immigration status would prevent them from receiving assistance from either the government or non-for-profit organizations. In addition, 47% of the survey participants are not confident that public health officials will do a good job during an emergency and 83% do not feel the same officials would treat them fairly regardless of race, ethnicity or income.

Conclusions: The preliminary findings obtained in this study are the beginning steps in conceptualizing and understanding how the low-income Latino Population in Baltimore City will respond, obtain information, and deal with trust issues surrounding disasters. . Researchers expect to provide recommendations to local, state, federal, and community organizations on the level of preparedness of Maryland Latinos. These recommendations will enhance the planning, response, and recovery activities required during a manmade or natural disaster.