263767 Measures of Disaster Preparedness for a Diverse and Changing Demographic Population

Monday, October 29, 2012 : 1:30 PM - 1:45 PM

Misael Obregon, Masters of Science , Health Planning, Evaluation and Program Development, Houston Department of Health and Human Services, Houston, TX
Melanie Gilmore, MPH , Health Planning, Evaluation and Program Development, Houston Department of Health and Human Services, Houston, TX
Faith Foreman, DrPH, MPH , Health Planning, Evaluation and Program Development, Houston Department of Health and Human Services, Houston, TX
Houston, TX has one of largest and most diverse populations in the country. The task of dealing with large and diverse populations is a challenge for any governmental agency especially in times of emergencies and disasters. Houston Department of Health and Human Services introduced the Disaster Ambassador Preparedness Program (DAPP) to raise awareness and prepare teachers, students, and their families to deal better with emergencies and disasters. The purpose of this study is to compare differences in disaster preparedness beliefs and actions among diverse populations. Second, to discuss potential new approaches of reaching diverse populations. The study identifies ways of determining the most vulnerable populations when dealing with emergency and disaster preparedness. Second, provide best policy development and approach to promote emergency and disaster preparedness between diverse groups. In 2010-2011, thirty schools participated in the DAPP project. Quantitative data was collected from parents on a non-experimental single group pretest-posttest design. Demographic variables are used to determine categorical differences between groups to compare their respective disaster preparedness related to attitudes, knowledge, perceived susceptibility, and actions. Data from the survey instruments are currently being analyzed. The results will be available by the time of the conference. Study findings will reveal answers to the following questions to identify conclusions: 1) Regarding disaster preparedness, what is the best method of message broadcasting to reach different populations? 2) Are there differences in perceived barriers or challenges among populations when preparing for disasters? 3)Which group(s) is more vulnerable in taking action towards disaster preparedness?

Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify methods of determining vulnerable populations for emergency and disaster preparedness. 2. Discuss new approaches for reaching different and diverse populations.

Keywords: Disasters, Policy/Policy Development

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to present because I am the data analyst and program evaluator of the Disaster Ambassador Preparedness Program. I have been responsible for analyzing and evaluating the data collected for this pilot program. I have presented regionally, nationally and at previously at APHA Annual Meeting. I am a participant in the Secure consortium, 7 institutions that focus on building sustainable emergency and disaster preparedness, response, and recovery capacity in Gulf-Coast communities.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.