How Individuals With Chronic Illnesses Manage Health-Related Concerns During Disasters: Development of a Theoretical Framework

Abstract

Summary of Disaster Response Literature Research related to disaster response demonstrated collaborative and innovative efforts to increase access to care by improving estimation of prevalence (Dominici et al., 2005; Mitchell, 1999; MMWR, 2004) and efficiency related to health records and response. Conclusions from the studies reviewed strongly support the importance of disaster preparedness activities at all levels and the role that collaboration and communication plays during every phase of disaster response activities (Berg, 2004; Bostick et al., 2008; Braun et al., 2006; Dainiak et al., 2007; Johnson, 2007; Jones, 2006b; Kumagai et al., 2006; Mattox, 2006; Parvis, 2002). The next section considers the area of chronic illness. Chronic Illness Research related to chronic illnesses is plentiful and supports incorporating self-management behaviors in patients diagnosed with chronic illnesses. Research has typically focused on a single disease entity for study; often that research considers diabetes and patient self-management. There is less research addressing multiple chronic illnesses in the same study. This section defines chronic illness and reviews research related to the prevalence and incidence of chronic illness, cost burden, and self-management behaviors (Noji, 2003). Studies related to chronic illness considered such similar variables as self-care strategies and barriers; community and practice level outcomes; and social support. A key difference noted overall was the context of evaluation, specifically the setting. Settings varied by population (rural versus urban) and healthcare delivery (practice-level versus community level). Again, some measured the variables by ethnic subculture (e.g.,