Children In Disasters Research Articles

Planning for Children in Disasters: Education and Strategies for the Best Outcomes

Planning for Children in Disasters: Education and Strategies for the Best Outcomes

Promising Effect of the Children in Disaster: Evaluation and Recovery Intervention on Trauma Symptoms and Quality of Life for Children and Adolescents: A Controlled Study.

The Children in Disaster: Evaluation and Recovery (CIDER) program in Korea was developed to treat children and adolescents exposed to trauma. This study aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the CIDER through a comparison with controls. A total of 85 participants consisted of the intervention group (n=41) and control group (n=44). We assessed the changes in trauma-related symptoms, depression, anxiety, and improvements in quality of life before and after the intervention. In total, bullying and school violence (44.7%) were the most common trauma, followed by sexual abuse (17.6%). Acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) accounted for 41.2%, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and developmental disorder were the most common comorbidities (51.8%). The symptoms of trauma, depression, anxiety, and quality of life improved significantly in the intervention group, while the control group did not show significant changes. Compared with the control group, the CIDER improved symptoms and quality of life in children and adolescents who had experienced trauma. The CIDER program was practical and easy to apply, even for different ages, types of traumas, and comorbidities.

Disasters in pediatric dentistry: a systematic review

BackgroundDisasters can harm many people, especially children, in unpredictable and public ways. One of the neglected aspects of children's health in disasters is oral and dental hygiene, which can affect their physical and mental well-being. This systematic review explores how dentistry can help children in disasters, focusing on two aspects: providing oral health care and identifying disaster victims.MethodsA thorough search of databases, such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Embase, ProQuest, and Web of Science, was done to find English-language publications from 1930 to August 31, 2023. The screening, data collection, and quality assessment followed the PRISMA guidelines.ResultsOut of 37,795 articles found in the databases, seven research articles were chosen. Five articles were retrospective, and two articles were prospective. The results showed that dentistry for children is very important in disasters by giving information about the oral and dental problems and identifying the victims. The results also showed some of the challenges and difficulties in giving dental care for children in disaster situations, such as changing control, referral systems, and parental fear of infection.ConclusionDentistry for children can improve the health and well-being of children affected by disasters.

Effects of disaster education on children's risk perception and preparedness: A quasi‐experimental longitudinal study

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine the effects of a disaster education intervention on children's risk perception and preparedness. It also sought to advance longitudinal studies, during an 18‐month time period, of risk perception and preparedness by using a quasi‐experimental methodology in child‐centred disaster research. This study used a quasi‐experimental longitudinal research design to measure the effects of disaster education on children. These effects were examined on children's risk perception and preparedness in the Van and Kocaeli provinces of Türkiye during the 18‐month period, with a sample of 720 school children. Experimental and control groups were randomly allocated, controlling for age, school grade and school enrolment. The disaster education intervention was designed to improve the children's awareness of natural hazards and their knowledge of disaster risk reduction using discussion, visual materials and interactive teaching of emergency management. The results indicate that the disaster education intervention had a positive effect on children's risk perception and perceived importance of preparedness in both study locations. It also helped children to understand the risks and hazards in their living environments. More importantly, this study showed that disaster education enhanced the protective measures taken by children for disasters. This is the first study using the quasi‐experimental longitudinal research design to measure the effects of disaster education on children's risk perception and the importance of preparedness. The findings are of relevance for organisations such as government departments and non‐government organisations when designing or improving disaster education programmes.

Experimental study on evacuation behaviour of children in a three-storey kindergarten

Avoiding injury and ensuring safe evacuations of children in disasters has always been a central issue requiring close attention in policymaking. However, there is little behavioural data on children's evacuation on stairs. In this study, evacuation drills were conducted in a three-storey kindergarten in Dalian, China. The article explores the well-trained children's vertical evacuation behaviour on stairs and horizontal evacuation behaviour in other areas such as corridors and lobbies. According to the vertical behavioural evacuation data collected in this study, the mean speed of children aged 4–6 is 0.55 ± 0.12 m/s, and children of different age groups exhibit distinctive evacuation behaviours on stairs. The mean speed of children on a horizontal plane is 0.87 ± 0.22 m/s. Then, the relationship between behavioural data (movement time, density, velocity, and flow rate) is compared and analyzed. It is found that the density and flow rate of the crowd at the stairwell entrance and the exit are higher than that of adults, and the children's walking speed is relatively slow. This study can provide reference for safety design, evacuation strategies and evacuation simulation settings of multi-storey kindergartens.

Resolving the Gap: National Pediatric Disaster Coalition

Introduction:Children younger than 18 years constitute approximately 25% of the US population. During disasters, they are the most vulnerable population and have age-specific vulnerabilities that heighten their risks and magnify their unique needs. These include physiological vulnerability to pathogens, toxins, radioactive isotopes, and harsh conditions. Increased skin permeability, faster metabolism, more active cell division, higher respiratory rate, and higher surface area–to–mass ratio all contribute to greater susceptibility to physical threats. Behavioral/Developmental differences such as more hand-to-mouth contact, under-developed sense of self-preservation, more time spent outdoors, difficulty communicating symptoms and increased vulnerabilities. Children in disasters may develop mental health problems, including acute and post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression. Some children with disabilities are dependent on medical technology.Method:A US national conference in 2015 determined that significant gaps in pediatric disaster preparedness include transport, space, staffing, equipment, supplies, and training capabilities. To address these gaps the National Pediatric Disaster Coalition (NPDC) was established to advocate for enhanced pediatric disaster preparedness, and advance community healthcare preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery for infants, children, and families in disasters.Results:The NPDC consists of subject matter experts, national advisory committees, commissions, agencies, and organizations. It utilizes pediatric SME knowledge to help plan for the allocation of appropriate and essential resources to address pediatric specific needs in disasters. It serves as an information clearinghouse on pediatric disaster preparedness informed by real events, research and evolving best practice. The NPDC disseminates information through organizing and participating in conferences, and web-based training.Conclusion:Based on the special needs of children in disasters, the NPDC assessed current gaps and has established an effective advocacy and information sharing platform to match resources to pediatric needs during disasters. The NPDC can serve as a model for addressing gaps in the special needs of children and their families during disasters.

Afetlerde Bebek Beslenmesi ve Bakımı

On February 6th, 2023, two major earthquakes occurred in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake centered in Pazarcık and a 7.6 magnitude earthquake centered in Elbistan, which was described as the “disaster of the century.” They are considered the worst earthquakes in Turkey’s history due to the high number of deaths and the effects spread to 11 provinces. According to the report issued by the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) on March 1st, 2023, more than 45.000 people died, numerous houses and workplaces collapsed, and the intact buildings were severely damaged. Following health assessments of survivors, it was clear that there was an increased need for shelter, food, hygiene products, and heating, due to the winter. Feeding and hygiene are essential for many surviving infants, who need the care and protection of an adult. Breastfeeding is the safest recommended form of infant feeding during disasters. It is essential to maintain and support breastfeeding during disasters. Breastfeeding is the safest form of infant feeding, especially when the infant is living in crowded and unhygienic conditions with a high risk of infection, and in the case of diarrheal diseases. In addition, infant care should continue meticulously under the harsh conditions of disasters. In this regard, nurses have an important role in maintaining the breastfeeding of infants and young children in disasters, as they are closest to children and families in the field and health facilities. Considering the impact of climate change on the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, this review study will shed light on the appropriate methods to maintain the feeding and care of infants and young children after disasters. This study is also expected to raise awareness about the feeding and care of infants, who are a vulnerable group during and after disasters. This study aims to investigate the issue of infant feeding and care during disasters in light of the literature. Keywords: infant, infant care, natural disaster, breastfeeding

Children in disasters

Children in disasters

Analyzing the impacts and experiences of children in disaster

Disasters have numerous effects on children as one of the vulnerable groups in society. To this end, in this study, using the qualitative method of phenomenology and painting tool, we analyzed the experiences of children who encountered a flood disaster in Lorestan province in western Iran. The study was conducted through deep interviews with 34 children who experienced floods. Analysis of interviews with and paintings obtained from the studied children revealed that ten key experiences and effects from children's flood experiences could be identified. The study's findings revealed that children's lived experiences of flood can provide a suitable opportunity for individual, social, economic, geographical, spatial, and environmental recognition, understanding, education, and preparedness of them as the future generation. Therefore, understanding children's experiences of flood disasters and their effects can be beneficial not only for planning and managing hazards, but also for reducing the vulnerability of both the future generation and their children.

Resources for preparing early childhood teachers to assist children in disasters: reflections on current events

ABSTRACT This paper revisits the 2019 JECTE Theme Issue entitled “Preparing early childhood teachers to assist children who are caught in disasters” in light of current world events. Unfortunately, since the publication of that issue, our world has been experiencing another type of disaster, the COVID-19 pandemic, thus revisiting and connecting the 2019 Theme Issue with our 2021 Theme Issue seemed especially helpful. More specifically, this article highlights some additional resources for teacher educators in the areas of 1) preparing early childhood teachers to meet children’s needs in disasters, and 2) utilizing educational technology with children and families effectively amid the current pandemic. Additional implications for early childhood teacher preparation are also provided.

AAP Publications Reaffirmed or Retired

This document is copyrighted and is property of the American Academy of Pediatrics and its Board of Directors. All authors have filed conflict of interest statements with the American Academy of Pediatrics. Any conflicts have been resolved through a process approved by the Board of Directors. The American Academy of Pediatrics has neither solicited nor accepted any commercial involvement in the development of the content of this publication.Technical Report. Telemedicine for evaluation of retinopathy of prematurity. Pediatrics. 2015;135(1):e238–e254. Available at: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/135/1/e238. Reaffirmed February 2021Policy Statement. The pediatrician’s role in the evaluation and preparation of pediatric patients undergoing anesthesia. Pediatrics. 2014;134(3):634–641. Available at: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/134/3/634. Reaffirmed February 2021Policy Statement. Overuse injuries, overtraining and burnout in child and adolescent athletes. Pediatrics. 2007;119(6):1242–1245. Available at: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/119/6/1242. Reaffirmed February 2021Policy Statement. Influenza immunization for all health care personnel: keep It mandatory. Pediatrics. 2015;136(4):809–818. Available at: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/136/4/809. Reaffirmed March 2020Policy Statement. Climatic heat stress and the exercising child and adolescent. Pediatrics. 2011;128(3):e741–e747. Available at: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/128/3/e741.full.pdf+html. Reaffirmed November 2019Policy Statement. Trampoline safety in children and adolescents. Pediatrics. 2012;130(4):775–779. Available at: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/130/4/774.full.pdf+html. Reaffirmed March 2020Policy Statement. Consent for emergency medical services for children and adolescents. Pediatrics. 2011;128(2):427–433. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/128/2/427.full. Reaffirmed April 2020Policy Statement. Role of the pediatrician in rural emergency medical services for children. Pediatrics. 2012;130(5):978–982. Available at: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/118/5/2242.full. Reaffirmed January 2020Policy Statement. Ventricular fibrillation and use of automated external defibrillators on children. Pediatrics.2007;120(5):1159–1161. Available at: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/120/5/1159.full.pdf+html. Reaffirmed January 2020Clinical Report. Probiotics and prebiotics in pediatrics. Pediatrics. 2010;126(6):1217–1231. Available at: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/126/6/1217. Reaffirmed March 2021Policy Statement. Contraception for adolescents. Pediatrics. 2014;134(4):e1244–e1256. Available at: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/134/4/e1244. Reaffirmed March 2021Technical Report. Contraception for adolescents. Pediatrics. 2014;134(4):e1257–e1281 Available at: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/134/4/e1257. Reaffirmed March 2021Policy Statement. Cheerleading injuries: epidemiology and recommendations for prevention. Pediatrics. 2012;130(5):966–971. Available at: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/130/5/966. Reaffirmed March 2021Policy Statement. Poverty and child health in the United States. Pediatrics. 2016;137(4):e20160339. Available at: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/137/4/e20160339. Reaffirmed April 2021Technical Report. Mediators and adverse effects of child poverty in the United States. Pediatrics. 2016;137(4):e20160340. Available at: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/137/4/e20160340. Reaffirmed April 2021Policy Statement. Ensuring the health of children in disasters. Pediatrics. 2015;136(5):e1407–e1417. Available at: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/136/5/e1407. Reaffirmed April 2021Policy Statement. Prevention of childhood lead toxicity. Pediatrics. 2016;138(1):e20161493. Available at: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/138/1/e20161493. Reaffirmed April 2021Policy Statement. Office-based care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth. Pediatrics. 2013;132(1):198–203. Available at: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/132/1/198. Reaffirmed April 2021Technical Report. Office-based care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth. Pediatrics. 2013;132(1):e297–e313. Available at: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/132/1/e297. Reaffirmed April 2021Clinical Practice Guideline: Urinary tract infection: clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and management of the initial UTI in febrile infants and children 2 to 24 months. Pediatrics. 2011;128(3):595–610. Available at: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/128/3/595. Retired May 2021Policy Statement. Recommendations for persons aged >10 years at increased risk for serogroup b meningococcal disease. Pediatrics. 2016;138(3):e20161890. Available at: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/138/3/e20161890. Retired March 2021

Disaster Risk Reduction in Iranian Primary and Secondary School Textbooks: A Content Analysis.

School textbooks have a significant role in transferring knowledge to the students and changing their behavior. This work aims to analyze school textbooks to find the representation of natural hazards in Iran, which is vital for supporting children in disaster situations. In this study, a qualitative content analysis was used. Data were analyzed qualitatively by using MAXQDA 2018 software. For the 2019-2020 school year, 300 Iranian school textbooks in Persian language were collected. Findings of this work show that students receive information about disaster risk reduction (DRR) education through the primary and secondary grade levels in all 12 grades. The educational content covers various types of natural hazards, including geophysical, hydrological, climatological, meteorological, and biological disasters. In addition, the textbooks contain discussions about local hazards, causes and effects of disasters, and the disaster management cycle. The coverage of DRR and the relevant contents in school textbooks reveals that the discourse of natural hazards is important for Iranian authorities, especially in the education system. This study helps decision-makers and practitioners design more effective interventions to prepare children for disasters.

Resilience of children in disasters: A multisystem perspective.

Interest in resilience is surging in research, policy and practice as threats from disasters rise and humanity confronts a global pandemic. This commentary highlights the importance of defining resilience for portability across system levels and disciplines in order to integrate knowledge and prepare adequately for the challenges posed to children and youth by multisystem disasters. A scalable definition of resilience is recommended: The capacity of a dynamic system to adapt successfully to challenges that threaten the function, survival or development of the system. Major determinants of adaptation among young people in the context of disaster are highlighted, including variations in adversity exposure dose, developmental timing, individual differences and the socio-ecological systems of children's lives that can be mobilised in response. Adaptation of children in disasters depends on the resilience of interconnected systems, including families, schools, communities and policy sectors. Implications of a multisystem perspective for disaster risk reduction and preparedness are discussed with a focus on nurturing the resilience of children and their societies for challenges in the near term and long into the future.

A systematic research review: How to best treat post-traumatic stress disorder in children post-natural disaster

ABSTRACT This paper is a systematic research review examining the best treatment intervention for children experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or PTSD-like symptoms after a natural disaster event. Research articles (12) were reviewed using a checklist that assesses face, content, and criterion validity: 9 quantitative, 2 mixed-methods, and 1 qualitative, to determine best screening and intervention practices to reduce the negative symptoms resulting from trauma. Researchers in the cited studies collected data via phone interviews, face-to-face interviews, surveys, self-evaluations, observation methods, teacher and social worker assessments, and parent assessments. For the purpose of this paper, we focused on the question: What is the best way to screen for and treat PTSD in children in post-natural disaster areas? Based on these studies, we identified three major themes: 1) the treatment of PTSD is necessary in post-natural disaster children; 2) school-based screenings (with considerations) are the most viable way to screen children for PTSD; and 3) CBT is the most universal intervention for children post-disaster. We included additional findings on EMDR and parenting techniques. More research needs to be done on the impact of family dynamics in post-natural disaster treatment and the long-term effects of experiencing a natural disaster.

Efficacy of the 'Children in Disaster: Evaluation and Recovery (CIDER)' Protocol for Traumatized Adolescents in Korea.

BackgroundWe aimed to evaluate the feasibility of trauma-focused group therapy in adolescents exposed to traumatic events in Korea.MethodsWe recruited 22 adolescents (mean age, 16 years; standard deviation, 1.43; range, 13–18 years). Children in Disaster: Evaluation and Recovery (CIDER) V1.0 is a trauma-focused group therapy comprising eight 50-minute-long sessions. The effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated using the Korean version of the Children's Response to Traumatic Events Scale-Revised (K-CRTES-R), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the State Anxiety Inventory for Children (SAIC), and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). The data were analyzed by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.ResultsA significant improvement was revealed in trauma-related symptom scores (Z = −2.85, P < 0.01), depressive symptom scores (Z = −2.35, P < 0.05) and quality of life scores (Z = −3.08, P < 0.01). Additionally, a marginally significant improvement was found in anxiety symptom scores (Z = −1.90, P = 0.058).ConclusionCIDER is a potentially effective intervention for adolescents exposed to traumatic events. Larger controlled trials are needed.Trial RegistrationClinical Research Information Service Identifier: KCT0004681

Overview of Children and Disasters.

Currently, throughout the world, there are nearly 40 million children displaced by natural or man-made disasters. The special needs of children in disasters are often unrecognized, yet children comprise half of disaster victims. The purpose of this review is to provide information on (1) demographics related to children and disasters, both domestic and international; (2) risks for children who experience disasters; (3) programs that help children in disasters; and (4) training programs on the special needs of children in disasters. Children who are displaced by disasters are at risk of acute and long-term medical problems. Disaster experiences can also lead to acute and long-term psychological problems. Ultimately, these have worldwide negative implications for human society, including education, health care, security, and economic and political aspects of daily life. There is a compelling need for more services to help the children who have experienced disasters and for education to train more relief workers about the special needs of children in disasters.

3.8 Feasibility of Children in Disaster: Evolution and Recovery (CIDER) Protocol Intervention for Traumatized Adolescents in South Korea: A Pilot Study

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of trauma-focused group psychotherapy for adolescents who had experienced traumatic events in Korea.

Factors associated with Quality of Life of Parents who Lost Children in the Sewol Ferry Disaster

Purpose: This study aimed to (1) explore current levels of quality of life, depression, resilience and social support and (2) investigate factors associated with quality of life among parents who lost children in the Sewol ferry disaster. Methods: Data for this descriptive and correlation study was collected from December 2016 to June 2017. Structured questionnaires were completed by 114 parents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multivariate linear regression. Results: Lower levels of quality of life were reported by parents with no current occupation, who considered emotional support by others as not helpful, not disclosing self as family of a victim, experiencing change in social activities related to the disaster, and not participating in bereavement activities with other families (all p values <.05). Factors associated with quality of life were depression (β=-.53) and resilience (β=.26) and explained 48.0% variance (F=50.37, p<.001), while social support was not a significant factor. Conclusion: Our study findings provide fundamental information on the mental health status of families of the Sewol ferry disaster victims. Nursing interventions to improve quality of life of parents who lost their children in the disaster should emphasize both managing depression and improving resilience.

Pedriatric Population in Disaster: How Should We Care for Them?

Abstract Background : Disaster might cause many impacts for vulnerable people, especially children (pediatric population). Objective : This paper aims to explain how should nurse do in caring for children in disaster management. Method : This review is conducted by searching many literatures from Science direct, ProQuest, PubMed, and google scholar about children and care for pediatric population. Result : Management for children in disaster should consider to many important things, such as: physical condition, psychology, development and behavior. Health practitioner include nurse should care for and involve families, consider to physical and psychological need and protect children from exploitation or any harms to prevent Post Traumatic Distress Syndrome (PTSD) in disaster management. Nurse should pay more attention for children as a unique vulnerable population by considering all aspects of pediatric and involve their families in disaster management.

Community Health Volunteers and Protecting Children in Disasters: lessons Learned from the 2015 Earthquake in Nepal

Community Health Volunteers and Protecting Children in Disasters: lessons Learned from the 2015 Earthquake in Nepal