The study will present an experience of rebuilding an earthquake-damaged community in Taiwan after a Richter Magnitude 7.4 earthquake that hit Taiwan on September 21, 1999. As a means to assess resident needs, a face-to-face interview was conducted to a random sample of residents in 228 households in an earthquake disaster community, with a 94.1% response rate. Results of the survey showed that residents generally lack knowledge and skill in health risk protection, prevention and health promotion. Moreover, lost of job raised sense of insecurity and fear. Important to note also was that during the shocking period lack of coordination among various health agencies that came to the disaster community presented a phenomenon of competing for resource utilization rather than for resource support. In the rebuilding process, the community was mobilized to develop a self-help network. The model of social mobilization was used that emphasizes community participation and community awareness. Residents were organized to build a sense of togetherness and an understanding of risk protection and health promotion. This program gained some very important experience of how to support and assist a disaster stricken community to rebuild their community for healthful living.
Learning Objectives: To understand the process of developing a grass-root community health project after an earthquake disaster; To comprehend the health needs assesment at community level
Keywords: Disasters, Community Health Assessment
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: research grants