Resident and healthcare provider perspectives on the long-term impact of an environmental disaster on a rural community's health and well-being

Background

The need for healthcare and social services usually increases following a disaster, and is exacerbated in rural areas already burdened by limited health resources and technological innovations. Limited research exists documenting the long-term effects of technological disasters on a rural community's health and access to health services. Given this, the purpose of this study was to examine the long-term health needs of a rural community seven years after a deadly train derailment and chlorine spill in the southern U.S. from the perspective of community residents and healthcare providers.

 Method

Photovoice and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from community residents and healthcare providers between 2012 and 2013. Photovoice participants included 25 community residents and interview participants included 30 healthcare providers who worked in the Graniteville area at the time of the disaster. Photos and interview data were analyzed for themes using NVivo software.

 Results

Residents and healthcare providers identified concerns with respiratory illness, cancer, and mental health issues. While there was increased access to health services immediately after the disaster, the secondary surge of long-term health consequences and quality of life concerns drained an already medically resource-poor community, the impact of which continues to be felt today.

 Conclusion

These findings highlight that disaster recovery should not be considered an acute event, but agencies should be prepared for long-term and potentially chronic ailments that need to be addressed on a community-level, particularly in rural, underserved communities post-disaster.