Cardiovascular Disease Hospitalizations in Louisiana Parishes' Elderly before, during and after Hurricane Katrina.

摘要: The research on how health and care disparities impact response to recovery from a disaster, especially among diverse underserved populations is in great need for thorough evaluation. time series analysis utilizing most complete national databases of medical records an indispensable tool assessing the destruction toll brought about by natural disasters. In this study, we demonstrated such application evaluating Hurricane Katrina 2005 cardiovascular disease (CVD), primary cause mortality older adults that can be aggravated We compared CVD hospitalizations before, during after between white black residents three populated parishes Louisiana: Orleans Jefferson, which were severely affected landfall subsequent floods, East Baton Rouge, hosted many evacuees. abstracted 383,552 hospitalization Louisiana’s patients aged 65+ 2005–2006 database maintained Center Medicare & Medicaid Services. Daily CVD-related rates at each study parish compiled, changes characterized using segmented regression. Parish, directly hurricane, peaked 6th day with increase (mean ± SD) 7.25 2.4 18.5 17.3 cases/day per 10,000 (p < 0.001) returned pre-landfall level ~2 months. Disparities exacerbated following landfall. week landfall, increased 26.3 23.7 16.6 11.7 people patients, respectively. abrupt CVDs likely due psychosocial post-traumatic stress caused disaster inadequate response. Inequities resource allocation access have addressed preparation mitigation.