Disaster Experience Research Articles

A scoping review of seismic risk communication in Europe

Although earthquakes are a threat in many countries and considerable resources have been invested in safety regulations, communities at risk often lack awareness and preparedness. Risk communication is a key tool for building resilient communities, raising awareness, and increasing preparedness. Over the past 2 decades, seismic risk communication has evolved significantly. This has led to a reorientation from a predominantly “one-way”, top-down communication model to the promotion of new models in which people, their needs, and their participation in disaster risk management are central elements. The 2015–2030 Sendai Framework recommendations, recent disaster experiences and research have highlighted that new models can improve communication effectiveness. In this paper, we critically explore this transition by conducting a scoping review (n=109 publications) of seismic risk communication in Europe. We analyse the approaches, messages, tools, and channels used for seismic risk communication and how they have changed over time. The results reveal that the stated goals of seismic risk communication are, in decreasing order, to share information, raise awareness, change behaviours/beliefs, and increase preparedness. Pupils, students, and citizens are the primary recipients of communication activities. Over the years, two trends have emerged. First, “two-way”, transdisciplinary and bottom-up communication models prevailed over the “one-way” model. Second, communication aimed more at promoting proactive behaviours than just informing the public. Face-to-face, hands-on activities, and serious games are key tools to engage with the public. The results also reveal the emerging role of social media to target different audiences/social groups. Strikingly, only one-fifth of the analysed publications explicitly build on or tests risk communication theories. Future research could focus on comparing practices across countries and risks (e.g., earthquakes and floods) and on innovating communication theories and methodologies, especially by incorporating the role of information technologies and social media.

A qualitative evaluation of the challenges in management for patients with chronic diseases during disasters in Iran.

Iran's health care system faces significant challenges in managing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, and these are exacerbated during the frequent natural disasters. The current study was designed to understand challenges in providing healthcare services to patients with diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases during such crisis periods. The conventional content analysis was used in this qualitative study. Participants included 46 patients with diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases, and 36 stakeholders with knowledge and experience in disasters. Data collection was carried out employing semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was performed using Graneheim and Lundman method. Four major challenges in providing care to patients with diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases during natural disasters include integrated management, physical, psychosocial health, health literacy and the behavior and barriers to healthcare delivery. Developing countermeasures against medical monitoring system shutdown in order to detect medical needs and problems faced by chronic disease patients including those with diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is essential in preparedness for future disasters. Developing effective solutions may result in improved preparedness and better planning of diabetic and COPD patients for disasters.

Socioeconomic Factor, Disaster Literacy and Disaster Awarness in Lampung Province

Abstract. Natural disasters result in casualties owing to the community's lack of preparedness, this lack is a result of the education and catastrophe awareness condition among community groups. This paper describe the following questions: 1) How do socioeconomic factors affect disaster awareness? 2) Does a person's socioeconomic status effect their requirements and preferences for disaster information search? This study seeks to analyze a research issue utilizing case studies from two local administrations in the province of Lampung: South Lampung and Bandar Lampung. This research's is based on a comparative case study, an approach to community-based research that fits perfectly. Two-month survey (May-July 2022) will be undertaken to assess the level of disaster awareness in the community and to determine how and where individuals with varied socioeconomic levels get disaster-related information. The conclusion of this study is the importance for decision-makers to understand the background cultural context and disaster experience.

Constructing a Theoretical Framework for Assessing Community Disaster Mitigation and Preparedness

This exploratory study was carried out to gather the essential components for developing a theoretical framework for measuring community awareness of disaster management. This is to provide an effective instrument for educating individuals, communities and organizations about awareness regarding disaster preparedness and prevention in order to conduct a more thorough investigation. This theoretical framework was developed using a combination of literature research, interviews, focus group discussions, and observation. The study found that demographic characteristics, knowledge of disaster, disaster experience, attitude and awareness of disaster mitigation, exposure to mitigation and preparation as well as preparedness to respond to disaster are the main elements of the independent variables of this conceptual framework. These elements will affect community’s perceptions on managing disaster response, and thus affects individual, community and organization’s mitigation and preparedness for disaster. A proposed conceptual model for measuring the level of awareness for mitigation and preparedness in disaster management is presented. This framework implies that in preparing for disaster, people of different social context may perceive disaster differently and may even affect disaster mitigation and preparedness contrarily.

Dementia Caregivers' Perspectives on Disaster Preparedness: Barriers, Resources, and Recommendations.

Disaster preparedness is an urgent concern, particularly for caregivers of persons with dementia. Developing and executing plans for oneself and another person who needs care can be difficult when the care recipient is cognitively impaired. We sought to better understand caregivers' disaster preparedness for the purpose of generating guidance for future interventions to increase caregiver resilience. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study of caregiver disaster experiences and perceptions of their preparedness. Fifty-two participants from diverse backgrounds participated in a focus group or interview. Deductive thematic data analysis was utilized to identify themes. Stress process models guided the interpretation of our findings. Analyses of caregivers' experiences and observations revealed that disaster preparedness was challenging for caregivers, though also perceived to be an important responsibility. We identified 3 main themes: (a) barriers to preparing for a disaster as a caregiver for a person living with dementia, (b) why it is important for a caregiver to develop a disaster plan, and (c) how to facilitate preparedness for caregivers of persons living with dementia. This study highlighted the difficulties of preparing for a disaster while caring for a person with dementia. Applying stress process models to our results provided strong evidence that interventions could be developed to bolster caregivers' resources to cope with stressors associated with disaster preparedness. A key issue for public officials is the question of whether disaster shelters are appropriate for persons with dementia.

Longitudinal changes in depressive symptoms associated with social isolation after the Great East Japan Earthquake in Iwate Prefecture: findings from the TMM CommCohort study

BackgroundWhether past disaster experiences affect the association between changes in social isolation and depressive symptoms is largely unknown. This study examined the association between changes in social isolation and depressive symptoms among survivors who experienced earthquake damage in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE).MethodsWe analyzed longitudinal data from 10,314 participants who responded to self-report questionnaires on the Lubben Social Network Scale-6 (LSNS-6) and the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depressive Scale (CES-D) in both the baseline survey (FY2013 to FY2015) and follow-up survey (FY2017 to FY2019) after the GEJE. According to changes in the presence of social isolation (< 12 of LSNS-6) at two time points, participants were categorized into four groups: “not socially isolated,” “improved socially isolated,” “newly socially isolated,” and “continuously socially isolated.” At the follow-up survey, a CES-D score of ≥ 16 indicates the presence of depressive symptoms. The adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using the logistic regression analysis to examine the influence of the change in social isolation over four years on depressive symptoms.ResultsParticipants who were newly socially isolated had a significantly higher prevalence of depressive symptoms than those who were not socially isolated (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.61 − 2.23). In addition, AORs were highest for those who were continuously socially isolated and had experienced house damage (AOR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.73 − 2.72) and those who were newly socially isolated and had not experienced the death of family members due to the GEJE (AOR = 1.88, 95%CI = 1.60 − 2.22).ConclusionOur longitudinal findings suggest that being newly or continuously socially isolated is associated with a risk of depressive symptoms, not only among those who had experienced house damage or the death of a family member, but also those who had not, in the disaster-affected area. Our study underlines the clinical importance of social isolation after a large-scale natural disaster and draws attention to the need for appropriate prevention measures.

Do Indonesians rationally or irrationally vote? Evidence from the 2014 Indonesian general election

This study investigated the determinants of voters’ trust level regarding official candidates at presidential, legislative, and governor levels in the 2014 general election in Indonesia. Data from the 2014 National Socioeconomic Survey was utilized in this study. The data was analyzed using two-stage regression analysis. The first stage regression analyzed the determinants of individual trust in official candidates, while the second stage analyzed probabilities of individuals to vote. This study found that voters’ experiences in vote buying reduced their trust in official candidates in the 2014 election. The second-stage regression results indicated that voters’ experiences in disasters reduced their intention to vote at all.

Association between housing damage, present bias and delayed-onset post-traumatic stress symptoms among older adults 9 years after a natural disaster

BackgroundPrevious studies suggest that experience of natural disasters may heighten present bias. Research also suggests that impaired self-control (in particular, heightened present bias) could be linked to delayed-onset post-traumatic stress...

How well prepared are we for disaster? The perspectives of informal carers of people with disability

Informal carers of people with disability are disproportionately impacted by disasters; assisting their person with disability, negotiating their safety, as well as ensuring their own safety and needs are met. Despite a growing body of research to enable mainstream agencies to include people with disability in disaster risk reduction (DIDRR), informal carers are often overlooked. This study explores informal carers’ experiences of disasters in Australia, focusing on their capabilities, preparedness and support needs. Informal carers reported actions they would take to maintain independence, the type of support they would need to evacuate or shelter in place, and advice they consider useful for informing education and training of other informal carers and the emergency services.

Layers of reconstruction: the planning history of disaster-prone Kamaishi

ABSTRACT Kamaishi in Iwate Prefecture has suffered devastating damage on several occasions, including the 1896 Meiji Sanriku tsunami, the 1933 Showa Sanriku tsunami, the 1945 naval bombardment during W.W. II and the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Each time, the city has recovered. This paper explores the history of reconstruction planning and urban development in Kamaishi and how the city’s landscape and urban space have been shaped by disaster and reconstruction. In the Kamaishi area in modern times, temples, shrines and public facilities have been moved and new infrastructure has been developed repeatedly, after each disaster. The accumulated reconstructions have generated a landscape in which the city is centred on wide streets that form a vertical axis connecting the coast and the highlands. The need to evacuate has been woven into the urban space of Kamaishi through repeated experiences of disaster and reconstruction. In the reconstruction that took place after the Great East Japan Earthquake, new layers and facilities were added for commercial recovery and residential reconstruction, but the underlying intention was to build a network of evacuation routes.

Readiness to Respond: Nursing Students’ Perspectives From a Virtual Disaster-Simulated Experience

The dramatic increase in disasters and other public health emergencies presents untoward challenges for emergency support systems and reinforces the need for nursing preparedness. There is increased emphasis on the need for nurses and other healthcare professionals to be competently ready when the call arises. Nurses are at the forefront of disaster response, and preparation with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills for optimal care delivery is paramount. This qualitative study explored undergraduate nursing students’ perception of their situational knowledge, awareness, and perceived role during a virtual disaster experience. Three themes emerged from the data: increased awareness of the need to be prepared, a quest for knowledge, and improved recognition of the nurse’s role in caring for disaster victims. The findings suggest that the innovative use of virtual simulation was a promising pedagogical approach for disaster education in the nursing curriculum.

Kesiapsiagaan Bencana Perawat di Rumah Sakit Rujukan pada Area Rentan Bencana di Indonesia: Studi Deskriptif

Background. Indonesia based on its geographical, geological, hydrological and demographic conditions is prone to disasters. Pre-disaster preparedness in health services are very important phases in reducing the impact of a disaster. Nurses are health workers with the largest number in a hospital, and have an important role in a disaster.The purpose of this study was to explore nurses’ perception regarding disaster preparedness in referral hospitals in disaster-prone areas in Indonesia.&#x0D; Methods. This study was a cross-sectional study. The cluster random sampling technique was used in the recruitment of 217 respondents from 4 referral hospitals in Indonesia. Self-report questioner were utilized and it was modified from Disaster Preparedness Evaluation Tool (DPET) and Emergency Prepardeness information Questionairre (EPIQ). Univariate and bivariate analyses were applied to describe the data.&#x0D; Results. The mean age of the respondents was 37.6 ± 8.9 years and the average length of service was 14 years ± 9.6 years. Respondents were mostly female, had vocational education level, were married, worked in wards, worked as clinical nurse, had no disaster experience but worked in hospitals that had experienced disasters. The average of nurses’ perception of disaster preparedness is 2.68 ± 0.32. Respondents have attended 88.5% BHD training, 76.5% APAR, 60.8% fire simulation and 42.4% earthquake simulation. Disaster experiences and research locations influence the disaster preparedness of nurses in referral hospitals in Indonesia. There were no statistically significant differences in nurses’ preparedness for disasters on gender, education level, marital status, place of work, position.&#x0D; Conclusion. Nurses’ experience in dealing with disasters increases the perception of disaster preparedness among nurses. Therefore, regular training and simulations are required in the health services of disaster-prone areas in Indonesia.

0152 Natural disaster experiences and their varying impact on sleep impairment

Abstract Introduction As rates and severity of natural disasters increase due to climate change, it is crucial to consider their effects on mental health. Among Hurricane Katrina survivors, stressors experienced following the Hurricane, including financial losses, were more robustly predictive of rates of PTSD than traumatic experiences occurring during the Hurricane (Galea et al., 2008). Because sleep disturbance is intimately associated with trauma exposure and has been implicated in the etiology of PTSD, we examined relationships between experiences during and after Hurricane Harvey (a historic storm that hit Texas in 2017) and sleep disturbance in sample of college students impacted by the storm. Methods Undergraduate students (N = 191, age: M = 21.25, SD = 3.14) at the University of Houston completed online surveys 6-8 months after Hurricane Harvey. Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and post-traumatic stress (PTS) symptoms were measured using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, excluding sleep items. Participants also reported on experiences/events during, immediately after, and in the weeks/months following the Hurricane. Total traumatic experiences during the Hurricane (e.g., thinking oneself or others would get hurt or die) and stressful experiences after the storm (e.g., losing power, damage to car or property) were calculated. Financial stress was examined as a unique predictor. Analyses controlled for total traumatic life events measured with the Life Events Checklist for DSM-5. Results In a multiple linear regression model, we tested whether traumatic experiences during, stressors after, and financial stressors due to the Hurricane predicted global PSQI score, controlling for other traumatic life experiences and total PTS symptoms. The overall model was significant (R2 = 0.22, F (5,185) = 10.48, p &amp;lt; .000). Traumatic experiences during the Hurricane (B = 0.37, p = 0.04), but not stressors (B = 0.02, p = 0.87) or financial stress (B = -0.29, p = 0.67) following the Hurricane significantly predicted poor sleep quality at present. Conclusion Our findings suggest that among a sample of young adult college students impacted by Hurricane Harvey, traumatic experiences during the storm were the most robust predictor of sleep disturbance several months later even after accounting for PTS symptoms. Support (if any)

Gender-based vulnerabilities for women during natural disasters in Bangladesh

IntroductionFactors that negatively impact women's disaster experiences include poor disaster preparedness, lack of access to a safe place, displacement worries, distance from shelters, risk of abuse in shelters, poverty, and low cultural position of women in rural Bangladesh. This study aimed to give voice to women who experienced gender-based vulnerabilities during natural disasters.MethodsThe research was conducted with women in the two disaster-prone areas utilizing a qualitative approach. Women, aged 18 years or above, who were permanent residents of the selected disaster-prone areas and have experienced one or more disasters, were invited to participate in the study. Twenty-four women volunteered to participate. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interview recordings containing questions on sociodemographic characteristics and open-ended questions to assess gender-based vulnerabilities during disasters; data were analyzed using thematic analysis techniques.ResultsOne main theme and six sub-themes emerged from the analysis. Women were often in the middle of making life choices between the risk of being abused and death in disasters. Shelters lacked privacy, heightened the risk of abuse, and women faced social stigma if displaced from their homes during a disaster. The women also experienced health risks because of inadequate hygiene and poor living arrangements such as a lack of adequate shelters, toilet facilities, and secure gender-segregated living arrangements if relocation was essential during a disaster.DiscussionFindings from this study provide guidance to policymakers and disaster aid organizations on disaster preparedness and post-disaster facilities to address the socio-cultural needs of rural women in disaster-prone areas of Bangladesh.

Behaviors of a group of university students during an earthquake drill and their compliance with the emergency disaster plan: An action research

Approximately 60% of the casualties due to disasters occur due to earthquakes. This study aimed to discover and develop the strengths and weaknesses of a group of university students during a possible earthquake, their behavior towards evacuation and assembly areas, and their adaptation to the emergency disaster plan. The research was carried out between May–June 2022 as “liberating/developing/critical action research,” a subtype of action research, one of the qualitative research methods. Thirty-five students participated in the first drill, and 31 participated in the second. The study data were collected through “observations” made with the installed cameras and “focus group interviews” with the students through semi-structured interview forms. An average of 3.25 behaviors expected to be observed were displayed as expected by the students during the first drill. The average of the behaviors displayed during the second drill increased to 5.18. As a result of the synthesis of the qualitative data obtained from the focus group interviews, it was seen that two main themes were formed: “Drill management” and “Disaster experience.” The main theme of drill management was “Drill moment,” “Evacuation moment,” and “Drill experience” analytical themes. In contrast, the main theme of disaster experience was “Disaster cycle,” “Disaster perception,” “Disaster awareness,” and “Earthquake experience.” After the second drill, it was evaluated that the problems identified in the first were eliminated. The students' adaptation to the emergency disaster plan increased by re-applying to the observation and focus group interviews.

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and previous natural disasters on the mental health of healthcare workers in Puerto Rico.

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic worries (e.g., fear of contagion) and previous exposure to natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes) on Healthcare Workers (HCWs) mental health in Puerto Rico. Participants completed a self-administered online survey including items on sociodemographic information, working conditions, fears, and worries about the COVID-19 pandemic, past natural disaster experiences, depressive symptoms, and resilience. Logistic regressions models were performed to explain the relationship between depressive symptomatology and COVID-19 experiences and worries. 40.9% (n = 107) of the sample were classified as having some level (mild to severe) of depressive symptomatology (PHQ-8 ≥5). Results reflect normal to high levels of psychological resilience (BRS; M = 3.7, SD = 0.7). A significant association was found between depressive symptomatology and psychological resilience (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.25-0.77). The odds of having depressive symptomatology were almost five times higher (OR = 4.79, 95% CI: 1.71-13.44) among those who reported emotional coping difficulties during the pandemic after experiencing a natural disaster compared to those that did not, when adjusting for psychological resilience and residence region. Despite normal to high psychological resilience levels, HCWs who reported emotional coping difficulties due to previous disasters were at risk of developing depressive symptomatology. Results suggest interventions to address the mental health of HCWs could benefit from considering other individual and environmental factors beyond resilience. Findings could inform future interventions to promote HCWs' well-being before, during, and after a natural disaster or pandemic outbreak.

Using social capital to address youth sexual and reproductive health and rights in disaster preparedness and response: A qualitative study highlighting the strengths of Pacific community organisations and networks.

In the Pacific region, youth sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are strongly influenced by sociocultural and structural factors, which limit access to SRHR information and services for youth. As climate-related disasters intensify in the Pacific, existing challenges to youth SRHR may increase the risk of worse SRHR experiences and outcomes for youth before, during and after disasters. Community-based models of SRHR service provision models increase accessibility for youth in non-disaster times, but there is limited evidence of how community organisations address youth SRHR in disaster contexts. We conducted qualitative interviews with 16 participants from community organisations and networks in Fiji, Vanuatu, and Tonga following the 2020 Tropical Cyclone (TC) Harold. Guided by the Recovery Capitals Framework (natural, built, political, cultural, human, social, and financial capitals), we explored how community organisations addressed challenges to facilitate access to youth SRHR information and services. Social capital in the form of peer networks and virtual safe spaces was used to navigate challenges in political, financial, and natural capitals. Existing relationships and trusted collaborations were crucial to address cultural taboos related to youth SRHR. Previous experiences of disasters and knowledge of contexts enabled participants to provide sustainable solutions to identified SRHR needs. The work conducted by community organisations and networks pre-disaster made it easier to identify and address youth SRHR risks following disasters. Our research offers a unique perspective into how social capitals were used to mitigate challenges to youth SRHR across natural, human, financial, cultural, built, and political capitals. Findings offer important opportunities to invest in existing community strengths, for transformative action to advance the SRHR of Pacific youth.

Using the Experience of Natural Disasters to Prevent Health Hazards in Shelters

Introduction:The number of deaths from natural disasters that have occurred in Japan since 1989 is in the order of (1) the Great East Japan Earthquake, (2) the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, and (3) the Kumamoto Earthquake, but the ratio of related deaths to the total number of deaths was highest for the Kumamoto earthquake.Method:In the case of the Kumamoto earthquake, an inland earthquake of the same scale as the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, direct deaths due to the earthquake were suppressed, but related deaths are thought to have increased due to the effects of evacuation life and other factors. According to a report by Kumamoto Prefecture, the majority of direct deaths from the Kumamoto earthquake were caused by trauma such as excessive pressure or asphyxiation. As for related deaths, most of the victims were aged 60 years or older, more than 80% of them had pre-existing medical conditions, and respiratory and circulatory system diseases were the most common causes of death.Results:A survey of victims transported by ambulance from evacuation centers to medical institutions after the Kumamoto earthquake showed that a large number of victims were transported in the acute phase after the disaster. The reasons for transport are diverse injuries and illnesses, including trauma from falls, dyspnea, impaired consciousness, and fever, suggesting that stress from the earthquake and problems in the living environment of the evacuation centers had an impact on the deterioration of health conditions.Conclusion:It is important to identify issues and consider countermeasures based on past experiences in order to prevent health hazards in evacuation centers.

Emergency Health Care Workers’ Preparedness for Disaster Management: An Integrative Review

Introduction:Around two billion people globally were affected by natural disasters between 2008 and 2018. Countries are required to effectively prepare their healthcare workers for disaster response. A greater level of preparedness is associated with a more effective response to disasters. The World Health Organization requires countries and governments to have disaster plans and emergency health workers ready and prepared at all times. This integrative review aims to understand emergency healthcare workers’ perceived preparedness for disaster management.Method:An integrative literature review using the PRISMA checklist guidelines was conducted to explore physicians, nurses, emergency medical services, and allied medical professionals’ preparedness for disasters. Literature was searched from 2005, published in the English language and from MEDLINE (PubMed), Google Scholar, EMBASE, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, ProQuest and CINAHL databases. Reviews, case reports, clinical audits, editorials and short communications were excluded. Studies were critically appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.Results:The initial search yielded 9,589 articles. Twenty-seven articles were included following the application of the eligibility criteria. Included studies were geographically diverse including North America, the Middle East, and the Asia Pacific. Most studies (n=24) assessed the knowledge of healthcare workers in general disasters. Studies using the Disaster Preparedness Evaluation Tool reported moderate disaster preparedness and knowledge, while studies using other instruments largely reported inadequate disaster preparedness and knowledge. Regional variations were recorded, with high-income countries’ reporting a higher perceived preparedness for disasters than low-income countries.Conclusion:The majority of emergency healthcare workers appear to have inadequate disaster preparedness. Previous disaster experience and training improved disaster preparedness. Future research should focus on interventions to improve emergency healthcare workers' preparedness for disasters.

Public intention to participate in sustainable geohazard mitigation: an empirical study based on an extended theory of planned behavior

Abstract. Giving full play to the public's initiative for geohazard reduction is critical for sustainable disaster reduction under a government-led top-down disaster governance approach. According to the public's intention to participate in geohazard mitigation activities, this study introduces the analytical framework of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), with attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control as the primary explanatory variables, with three added explanatory variables: risk perception, disaster experience, and participation perception. Survey data obtained from 260 respondents in Jinchuan County, Sichuan Province, China, are analyzed using structural equation modeling and combined with multivariate hierarchical regression to test the explanatory power of the model. The results indicate that attitude, subjective normative, perceived behavioral control, and participatory cognition are significant predictors of public intention to participate. Disaster experience is negatively associated with public intention to participate. In addition, the extended TPB model contributes 50.7 % to the explanation of the behavioral intention of public participation. Practical suggestions and theoretical guidance are provided for strengthening geohazard risk management and achieving sustainable disaster reduction. In particular, it is concluded that, while correctly guiding public awareness of disaster reduction activities, policymakers should continue developing participatory mechanisms, paying attention to two-way communication bridges between the public and the government, uniting social forces, and optimizing access to resources.