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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Brenda Seals, PhD, MPH, Jay Segal Segal, PhD, Alice Hausman, PhD, MPH, Chad Thomas, MPH, and Sylvia Twersky-Bumgardner, MPH. Department of Public Health, Temple University, 1700 N. Broad St., Room 304, Philadelphia, PA 19122, (215) 204-6780, brenda.seals@temple.edu

Purpose: Emergency planning often includes provisions for institutionalized and severely affected groups. Yet little is known about distress and its effects on preparedness in the general population. This study provides information about distress related to emergency preparations and concerns. Methods: A representative, statewide sample (n=1618) completed in the 2004 Temple University Quality of Life survey. This cross-sectional, random-digit dialed (RDD) study of Pennsylvania adults included items measuring emergency preparations (10 items), concerns about possible events in the next two years (9 items), and psychological distress (18-items). Distress items (4-point Likert responses) were summed (alpha=.88). Results: Distress scores of 10 and over (22.7%) were more likely among women (26% vs. 21%), lower income (33% under $40,000 vs. 17% middle, 12% over $80,000), Hispanics (46.4% vs. 28.8% African-American, 21.6% Caucasian, 19.2% other) and renters (35% vs. 20%). Those with increased concerns about future disasters were from lower income brackets, non-whites, and renters. In general, about 6% of those with higher distress were more prepared for an emergency by having items or plans. Compared to those with lower scores, respondents with higher distress scores (10+) were more likely to be very concerned about future events including tornadoes (24% vs. 14%), small pox (26% vs. 10%) hijacking (30% vs. 17%) and radiation (32% vs. 17%). Conclusion: A hidden benefit of elevated distress may be increased personal disaster preparedness. Unfortunately, distress also elevates concerns with future disaster events, particularly among poor and Hispanic groups. Mental health providers need to address these differences in emergency planning.

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