Article
 

Assessing Disaster Preparedness among Latino Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers in Eastern North Carolina

Public Deposited
default representative image
https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/articles/1z40kt66c

Descriptions

Attribute NameValues
Creator
Abstract
  • Natural disasters including hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, and fires often involve substantial physical and mental impacts on affected populations and thus are public health priorities. Limited research shows that vulnerable populations such as the low-income, socially isolated migrant and seasonal farmworkers (MSFW) are particularly susceptible to the effects of natural disasters. This research project assessed the awareness, perceived risk, and practices regarding disaster preparedness and response resources and identified barriers to utilization of community and government services during or after a natural disaster among Latino MSFWs’ and their families. Qualitative (N = 21) focus groups (3) and quantitative (N = 57) survey methodology was implemented with Latino MSFWs temporarily residing in rural eastern North Carolina to assess perceived and actual risk for natural disasters. Hurricanes were a top concern among the sample population, many participants shared they lacked proper resources for an emergency (no emergency kit in the house, no evacuation plan, no home internet, a lack of knowledge of what should be included in an emergency kit, etc.). Transportation and language were found to be additional barriers. Emergency broadcasts in Spanish and text message alerts were identified by the population to be helpful for disaster alerts. FEMA, American Red Cross, local schools and the migrant clinic were trusted places for assistance and information. In summary, tailored materials, emergency alerts, text messages, and news coverage concerning disaster threats should be provided in the population’s native language and when feasible delivered in a culturally appropriate mechanism such as “charlas” (talks) and brochures.
  • Keywords: Latino migrant and seasonal farmworkers, disaster preparedness, MSFW
Resource Type
DOI
Date Available
Date Issued
Citation
  • Burke, S., Bethel, J., & Britt, A. (2012). Assessing disaster preparedness among latino migrant and seasonal farmworkers in eastern north carolina. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH, 9(9), 3115-3133. doi: 10.3390/ijerph9093115
Journal Title
Journal Volume
  • 9
Journal Issue/Number
  • 9
Academic Affiliation
Rights Statement
Funding Statement (additional comments about funding)
  • Research reported in this publication was partially supported by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number P20MD003938.
Publisher
Peer Reviewed
Language
Replaces

Relationships

Parents:

This work has no parents.

Items