Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved
Volume 20, Issue 2, 2009, Pages 330-345

Developing a disaster preparedness campaign targeting low-income latino immigrants: Focus group results for project PREP (Article)

Eisenman D.P. , Glik D. , Maranon R. , Gonzales L. , Asch S.
  • a School of Medicine at UCLA, Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, 911 Broxton Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1736, United States
  • b UCLA School of Public Health - Community Health Sciences
  • c UCLA School of Public Health - Community Health Sciences
  • d Coalition for Community Health
  • e West Los Angeles Veterans Administration - Department of Medicine, United States

Abstract

Low-income immigrant Latinos are particularly vulnerable to disasters because they are both ill-prepared and disproportionately affected. Disaster preparedness programs that are culturally appropriate must be developed and tested. To develop such a program, we conducted 12 focus groups with low-income immigrant Latinos to understand their perceptions and understanding of disaster preparedness, and facilitators and obstacles to it. Participants were concerned about remaining calm during an earthquake. Obstacles to storage of disaster supplies in a kit and developing a family communication plan were mentioned frequently. Misunderstandings were voiced about the proper quantity of water to store and about communication plans. Several focus groups spontaneously suggested small group discussions (platicas) as a way to learn about disaster preparedness. They wanted specific help with building their family communication plans. They rated promotoras de salud highly as potential teachers. Results will guide the development of a disaster preparedness program tailored to the needs of low-income Latino immigrants.

Author Keywords

Formative research Immigrant health Latino health Disaster preparedness

Index Keywords

information processing male disaster planning Emigrants and Immigrants female Humans Focus Groups Hispanic Americans Article poverty organization and management human adult migration Hispanic
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-67649402281&doi=10.1353%2fhpu.0.0129&partnerID=40&md5=cecee92ccd0fa8efbc98ac72f04f942c
DOI: 10.1353/hpu.0.0129
ISSN: 10492089
Cited by: 34
Original Language: English