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Assessing acceptability and uptake of a community-informed disaster risk reduction training program in Delmas, Haiti
Methods: The curriculum implemented during a five-day train-the-trainer seminar addressed 3 domains: defining hazards, risks, and vulnerabilities; identifying protective factors and community assets; and developing community engagement strategies to assess, mitigate, and manage environmental threats. Participants completed self-administered questionnaires to assess acceptability of training methods, and participated in a 6-month follow-up group interview to report implementation of DRR strategies.
Results: Participants' (N=16) age ranged from 18-58. 93.75% of participants enjoyed the training activities; 100% found the topics relevant and felt they developed useful skills; and 100% developed plans for engaging others in DRR strategies. Twelve participants (75%) attended a 6-month follow-up group interview and reported implementation of plans including execution of four Haitian-initiated DRR seminars, and formation of a community-based DRR association. Participants identified future training needs including: further development of facilitation skills; disaster-related first-aid; mental health; and women’s health.
Conclusions: Findings demonstrated that community-informed DRR training was acceptable and beneficial for developing local capacity to mitigate risk to disasters in Delmas. Future directions include: expanding the curriculum to address needs identified in this research; and extending the program to additional communities.
Learning Areas:
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practiceImplementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Public health or related education
Learning Objectives:
Describe methods to develop a community-informed disaster risk reduction training curriculum.
Discuss methods to assess acceptability of disaster risk reduction training activities and uptake of community engagement strategies.
Identify key areas of consideration for further development of effective community leaders and strategies for expanding the program’s impact.
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been involved with the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the disaster risk reduction training program addressed in this study since the pilot phase in March, 2013. I have been working internationally for more than four years, applying community-based participatory methods to develop sustainable community programs, and have focused my MPH coursework on Global Health.
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.