Disaster Preparedness Among Families of Children With Special Health Care Needs

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

E-ISSN: 1938-744x|4|3|240-245

ISSN: 1935-7893

Source: Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, Vol.4, Iss.3, 2010-10, pp. : 240-245

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Abstract

Families with children with special health care needs may present a challenge for disaster responders. This study examined the level of personal disaster preparedness among this at-risk population in relation to the general population, and explores whether special health care needs or perception of disaster risk affects preparedness levels. A convenience sample of 145 families presenting to an urban tertiary care children's hospital was surveyed using a previously validated instrument to gather information on levels of preparedness and factors influencing preparedness. In spite of significant special health care needs and concern about disasters, families remain unprepared for a disaster event. Health care and psychosocial support workers are in a unique position to increase preparedness levels in this at-risk population.