142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition

Annual Meeting Recordings are now available for purchase

309478
Prevention of post-disaster sequelae through efficient communication planning: Analysis of information-seeking behaviors in Montana and Alabama

142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition (November 15 - November 19, 2014): http://www.apha.org/events-and-meetings/annual
Monday, November 17, 2014

Koya Allen, MSPH, MS, PhD , Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Kent State University College of Public Health, Kent, OH
Federico Subervi, PhD , School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Kent State University, Kent, OH

Background:  An integral aspect of emergency preparedness includes risk communication and information dissemination prior to and during disasters.  Timeliness, accuracy and mode of dissemination can influence preparedness, and help or hinder the subsequent response efforts. This study analyzes factors that influence preparedness and utilization of information sources during emergencies.

Methods: An analysis of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) 2012 data (n=16811) was conducted for Montana and Alabama. A multi-nominal logistic regression modeled the relationship between information sources with demographics and levels of preparedness.

Results: Approximately 40.4% of individuals use radio, 26.4% use television, and 21.8% use other outlets. Of the 40.4% that use radio, 3.8% did not have a radio and batteries.  The 21.17% of individuals without a radio were 1.47x more likely not to have specific information sources. This was significantly associated with actual preparedness (p= <.001), which is associated with perceived preparedness (p=<.001). Interestingly, a lack of preparedness indicated radio use (OR=1.1) or other sources (OR=1.25), over television. An income of >$75k increased Internet use (OR=1.36) and radio (OR=1.12) over television, and college graduates were 2.45x more likely to use Internet, and 1.6x more likely to use radio than individuals who did not graduate high school.

Conclusions: These findings allude to information seeking behaviors based on socioeconomic determinants of health. Differences in media reliance are important for increasing preparedness. Emergency managers need to be aware of the expectations citizens have for receiving information and what communication methods are appropriate for target populations.

Learning Areas:

Communication and informatics
Epidemiology
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Analyze factors that influence preparedness and utilization of information sources during emergencies. Describe information seeking trends in Montana and Alabama. Explain how information seeking behaviors and risk communication can impact emergency preparedness.

Keyword(s): Emergency Preparedness, Communication

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a trained researcher in natural and intentional disasters. I have conducted studies on risk communication during hurricane Katrina, and building resilience in vulnerable populations. In addition, I have completed disaster training through medical reserve corps of NYC, and have participated in table-top scenarios and strategy development for improved management of naturally emerging disease threats. My scope of knowledge for public health preparedness ranges from natural disasters,and emerging diseases to CBRNE threats.
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.

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