142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition

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310320
Levels of Personal Preparedness in At-risk Populations in Jefferson County, AL

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

Lisa C. McCormick, DrPH , Health Care Organization and Policy, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, Birmingham, AL
Julie Preskitt, MSOT, MPH, PhD , School of Public Health - Health Care Organization and Policy, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
Jesse Pevear III, MSPH , Survey Research Unit, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
Andrew C. Rucks, PhD , Department of Health Care Organization and Policy, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, Birmingham, AL
Peter M. Ginter, PhD , Health Care Organization and Policy, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, Birmingham, AL
Background:  This study assesses to what extent experiencing a tornado outbreak alters preparedness awareness and the levels of personal preparedness among the vulnerable or at risk in Jefferson County, AL.  Vulnerable populations have been shown in the literature to be more susceptible to adverse health outcomes following disasters.

Methods:  Two random-digit-dialed surveys were completed using BRFSS protocols.  The pre-tornado survey was conducted in 2010 (n=1603) and the post-tornado survey was conducted in 2012 (n=1240).   All data was weighted using current BRFSS methodology to best represent the population of Jefferson County.  Demographics of respondents included gender, age, race, marital status, whether 1 or more children 18 years or younger currently live in the home, education level, employment status, perceived health status, disability, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Those who are vulnerable or at risk during a disaster event were compared to the general population to determine if they are more prepared. 

Results:  All variables show a significant increase in the levels of preparedness from 2010 to 2012.  The vulnerable or at risk populations (Age greater than 65 or those with diabetes, coronary heart disease, an activity limiting disability, or poor perceived health status) are no more prepared than the general populations (p=0.5902) with the exception of those over the age of 65 (p=0.0199). 

Conclusion:  This data suggests future research should explore the reasons surrounding the lack of personal preparedness in this population.  Strategies should be developed on how to reach these populations and to improve their levels of personal preparedness.

Learning Areas:

Advocacy for health and health education
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Other professions or practice related to public health

Learning Objectives:
Explain how the April 2011 tornado disaster experience affected preparedness awareness in vulnerable populations in Jefferson County, AL. Analyze differences in levels of personal preparedness between the general population and the vulnerable population pre- and post- disaster. Discuss the need for future studies to determine why vulnerable populations are not any more prepared than the general population.

Keyword(s): Disasters, Vulnerable Populations

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been the principal or co-principal of multiple federally funded grants and state level contracts involving public health preparedness and emergency response. My scientific interest include research on developing measures of personal preparedness and the effects of disaster experience on levels of community and individual preparedness.
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.

Back to: 3304.0: Natural disasters