Variations in disaster preparedness by mental health, perceived general health, and disability status

摘要: Objectives: Chronic medical and mental illness disability increase vulnerability to disasters. National efforts have focused on preparing people with disabilities, studies find them be increasingly prepared, but less is known about chronic illnesses. We examined the relation between health status (mental health, perceived general disability) disaster preparedness (home supplies family communication plan).Methods: A random-digit-dial telephone survey of Los Angeles County population was conducted October 2004 January 2005 in 6 languages. Separate multivariate regressions modeled determinants preparedness, adjusting for sociodemographic covariates then variables variables.Results: Only 40.7% who rated their as fair/poor compared 53.1% those rate excellent (P < 0.001). 34.8% an emergency plan 44.8% 0.01). 29.5% a serious 49.2% do not People remained likely (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.50–0.96) (AOR 0.68, CI 0.51–0.92) excellent, after covariates. 0.67, 0.48–0.93). Disability associated lower rates or plans bivariate analyses. Finally, other variables, 0.66, 0.48–0.92) 0.47–0.95).Conclusions: report probable are household plan. Our results could add our understanding why preexisting problems suffer disproportionately from Public may consider collaborating community partners services providers improve among mentally ill. (Disaster Med Health Preparedness. 2009;3:33–41)