Abstract
A variety of epidemiologic study designs can be utilized during a disaster response. For example, cross-sectional rapid needs assessments and surveillance for illnesses and injuries are the most widely used epidemiologic tools after a disaster. Cross-sectional surveys can be used to quantify the impacts of disasters and direct the efficient provision of needed resources. Case-control studies can be used to investigate disease outbreaks that are associated with unsanitary conditions after a disaster. Cohorts of exposed individuals, such as responders, can be recruited and followed over time to quantify the health impacts of exposure. Over the last several decades, epidemiologic tools have become more widely used in disaster and humanitarian response; however, these tools have not been as widely applied to improving disaster preparedness, although that is changing as more health departments conduct preparedness assessments to assist in planning for and responding to future disasters and emergencies. This chapter will introduce study designs that can be used in domestic and international disaster preparedness and response activities, providing examples from both natural and man-made disasters.
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