After Hurricane Ida, faith-based organizations were vital to disaster response. However, this community resource remains understudied. This exploratory study examines local faith-based organizational involvement in storm recovery by evaluating response activities, prevalence and desire for formal disaster education, coordination with other organizations, effect of storm damage on response, and observations for future response.

An exploratory survey was administered to community leaders throughout the Bayou Region of Louisiana consisting of questions regarding demographics, response efforts, coordination with other organizations, formal disaster training, the impact of storm damage on ability to respond, and insights into future response.

Faith-based organizations are active during storm response. There is a need and desire for formal disaster education. Many organizations experienced storm damage but continued serving their community. Other emerging themes included: importance of clear communications, building stronger relationships with other organizations prior to a disaster, and coordination of resources.

Faith-based organizations serve an important role in disaster response. Though few have formal training, they are ready and present in the area of impact, specifically in hurricane response. In the midst of organizational and personal damage, these organizations respond quickly and effectively to provide a necessary part of the disaster management team.

For the National Health Service (NHS) in England, incidents are defined as events that disrupt, or might disrupt, an organisation’s normal service provision below acceptable levels and require special arrangements to be put in place. NHS England is responsible for coordinating regional responses to incidents. Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) are responsible for coordinating local responses to incidents. This review assessed the records of regional and local incident responses held by NHS England and ICBs respectively.

The outcome of interest was the quantity of information regarding days at an incident response level held by organisations responsible for coordinating that level of incident response.

NHS England had a record of the number of days at regional incident response level for 3 of its 7 regions. 24 of the 42 ICBs had records of the number of days at local incident response level.

NHS England and ICB records of incident responses for which they are responsible were incomplete. They might benefit from reviewing how they measure and record this information. This review may also be of interest to other bodies at local, regional and state level which coordinate hospitals in response to incidents.

Few empirical studies have examined the collective impact of and interplay between individual factors on collaborative outcomes during major infectious disease outbreaks and the direct and interactive effects of these factors and their underlying mechanisms. Therefore, this study investigates the effects and underlying mechanisms of emergency preparedness, support and assurance, task difficulty, organizational command, medical treatment, and epidemic prevention and protection on collaborative outcomes during major infectious disease outbreaks.

A structured questionnaire was distributed to medical personnel with experience in responding to major infectious disease outbreaks. SPSS software was used to perform the statistical analysis. Structural equation modeling was conducted using AMOS 24.0 to analyze the complex relationships among the study variables.

Organizational command, medical treatment, and epidemic prevention and protection had significant and positive impacts on collaborative outcomes. Emergency preparedness and supportive measures positively impacted collaborative outcomes during health crises and were mediated through organizational command, medical treatment, and epidemic prevention and protection.

The results underscore the critical roles of organizational command, medical treatment, and epidemic prevention and protection in achieving positive collaborative outcomes during health crises, with emergency preparedness and supportive measures enhancing these outcomes through the same key factors.

COVID-19 caused individual and social measures to be taken at the global level, and changed the social life, especially due to effects on interpersonal relations, the environment, and psychological and physical conditions. It was aimed to determine the feelings, thoughts, and behaviors related to the disease and the quality of life of people who applied to the COVID-19 vaccine unit of a state hospital.

Descriptive and cross-sectional research was carried out with 360 individuals. Data collection tools were the Individual Information Form, Multidimensional COVID-19 Scale, and Impact of COVID-19 on Quality of Life Scale. Statistical analysis of the data was made using SPSS 20.0.

Multidimensional COVID-19 and Quality of Life Scale mean scores were found to be 80.50±18.14 and 3.16±1.00, respectively. A positive correlation was determined between the emotions, behavior, and thoughts related to COVID-19 and Quality of Life Scale.

Considering society’s perceptions of COVID-19 and the impact of the pandemic process on quality of life, it was thought that the trainings carried out by nurses and other health professionals may affect the adaptaion of protective processes related to COVID-19.

The roles and responsibilities of the public health emergency preparedness (PHEP) and response workforce have changed since the last iteration of competencies developed in 2010. This project aims to identify current competencies (i.e., knowledge, skills, and abilities) for the PHEP workforce, as well as all public health staff who may contribute to a response.

Five focus groups with members of the PHEP workforce across the US focused on their experiences with workforce needs in preparedness and response activities. Focus group transcripts were thematically analyzed using qualitative methods to identify key competencies needed in the workforce.

The focus groups revealed 7 domains: attitudes and motivations; collaboration; communications; data collection and analysis; preparedness and response; leadership and management; and public health foundations. Equity and social justice was identified as a cross-cutting theme across all domains.

Broad validation of competencies through ongoing engagement with the PHEP practice and academic communities is necessary. Competencies can be used to inform the design of PHEP educational programs and PHEP program development. Implementation of an up-to-date, validated competency model can help the workforce better prepare for and respond to disasters and emergencies.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of relaxation-based exercises on individuals experiencing post-earthquake stress-related symptoms in an earthquake-prone region.

This randomized, waitlist-controlled, parallel group study included 46 participants with moderate post-traumatic stress levels (Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale, PDS) and anxiety for over 1 month (Beck Anxiety Inventory, BAI score > 8). Participants were randomly assigned to a relaxation-based exercise group (REG, n = 24) or a waitlist control group (CG, n = 25). The REG received relaxation-based structured, supervised exercises for 4 weeks, while the CG awaited treatment. Assessments included the PDS, BAI, Beck Depression Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale-10, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and SF-12 Quality of Life Scale at baseline and 4 weeks post-intervention.

Within-group analysis showed significant improvements in anxiety (P = 0.001), depression (P = 0.001), perceived stress (P = 0.001), and sleep quality (P = 0.001) for the REG. The CG showed decreased depression symptoms (P = 0.011) and improved sleep quality (P = 0.012). There were no significant group differences in quality-of-life outcomes (P > 0.05), though REG showed greater improvement in depression and perceived stress scores (P < 0.05).

Relaxation-based exercises can improve sleep quality in individuals experiencing post-earthquake stress, and reduce depression, anxiety, and perceived stress. This approach can be used as a novel rehabilitation model in preventive mental health for the community.

Wildfire smoke causes respiratory health concerns. The study estimates respiratory hospitalization risk from wildfires, determines distance to a hospital, and identifies concentrations of smoke-sensitive groups far from a hospital to facilitate public health and emergency preparedness in Oregon using spatial analysis.

Statistically significant environmental factors were identified with regression and used with wildfire and pollution concentrations to predict respiratory hospitalizations. A weighted overlay of the significant factors formed a statewide risk layer. Proximity to the hospital nearest to each Census block was determined by driving distance. Clusters of smoke-sensitive groups, determined by relevant Census demographics, were identified through a Hot Spot Analysis.

This process allowed for highlighting locations of smoke-sensitive groups in areas at high risk for respiratory hospitalization from wildfire smoke who were far from a hospital. The results allow local officials to identify the type and magnitude of needs they can expect in the event of a wildfire.

The results demonstrate a process to facilitate wildfire preparedness in Oregon. This process could be adapted to inform wildfire resilience strategies in other regions facing similar challenges, such as California. Understanding local needs allows officials to target communications more effectively, stage resources more efficiently, and identify gaps that can be addressed before a disaster strikes.

This study examines the relationship between post-earthquake trauma and religious coping styles among earthquake survivors with chronic diseases.

This research was conducted with 122 earthquake survivors living in tent camps in Adıyaman, affected by the earthquake between May and August 2023. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the “Sociodemographic Form,” “Earthquake Post-Traumatic Level Determination Scale,” and “Religious Coping Scale.” Pearson Correlation analysis examined the relationship between the 2 scales.

The average trauma level score was 53.82±9.07, the Positive Religious Coping scale score was 23.64±2.77, and the Negative Religious Coping scale score was 7.18±1.73. There was a moderate positive relationship between post-earthquake trauma levels and positive religious coping levels (P<0.05). No significant relationship was found between trauma levels and negative religious coping (P>0.05).

It was determined that earthquake survivors with chronic diseases in Kahramanmaraş had high levels of trauma. As the post-earthquake trauma level increased, the level of positive religious coping also increased, but it did not affect the level of negative coping.

On February 6, 2023, seismic activity struck Kahramanmaraş, with earthquakes of magnitudes 7.7 and 7.6. The study aimed to determine the effect of the presence of PTSD and its scores on hygiene behaviors.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Adıyaman, Türkiye, between September and October 2023. The study population comprised individuals aged 18 and above who had experienced the earthquake. The PTSD Checklist-Civilian (PCL-C) scale was used to evaluate PTSD, and the Hygiene Inventory was used to evaluate the participants’ hygiene behaviors.

Females, those with lower levels of education, the unemployed, singles, those living in tents, individuals who lost a loved one in the earthquake, and those with PTSD had worse hygiene behaviors compared to other groups. In the multivariate model of linear regression analysis of hygiene total score, only the PTSD score retained its predictive significance for hygiene behavior. More than 50% of the participants had scores meeting PTSD. The total PTSD score and the prevalence of PTSD among women was notably greater.

Mental health plays a pivotal role in shaping individuals’ hygiene practices and behavior patterns post-disaster. Swift implementation of mental health interventions is crucial for the prevention of behavioral pathologies.

The February 6, 2023 Türkiye earthquake caused widespread destruction and significantly affected public health priorities. This study aimed to analyze the impact of the disaster on public interest in dermatological issues, using Google Trends.

Two dermatologists selected 10 dermatological topics based on textbooks and Google Trends data availability. Search trends in Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, and Adıyaman were analyzed for 52 weeks before and after the earthquake. Topics with a significant interest change due to the earthquake in at least 2 of 3 provinces ("dermatology" and “scabies”) were analyzed across all 11 affected provinces.

Search interest in “dermatology” significantly decreased in Hatay (-27.5%, P = 4.16×10-4), Kahramanmaraş (-25%, P = 0.009), and Malatya (-56.9%, P = 0.0005). Other conditions, including “acne,” “eczema,” “psoriasis,” “urticaria,” and “wart” exhibited varying trends, but none of these changes reached statistical significance. Searches for “scabies” showed a substantial and statistically significant increase in Hatay (+69%, P = 4.11×10-10), Kahramanmaraş (+112%, P = 6.96×10-8), Adıyaman (+144%, P = 0.0179), Gaziantep (+54.3%, P = 2.56×10-9), Malatya (+91.8%, P = 0.00074), Diyarbakır (+50.5%, P = 2.43×10-8), Adana (+20.7%, P = 4.99×10-5), Şanlıurfa (+50.5%, P = 8.96×10-8), Elazığ (+421%, P = 5.25×10-4), and Osmaniye (+78.4%, P = 1.25×10-4). Hatay, previously ranked 9th, became the top province post-earthquake, with most others, except Adana and Elazığ, also rising in rank.

The earthquake significantly impacted public interest in dermatology, especially scabies. Google Trends can help identify health concerns, guiding resource allocation and targeted interventions post-disaster.

Climate change is contributing to increased frequency and intensity of wildfires in California. This study evaluated the self-reported impacts of the California Oak Fire on the health of a medically at-risk population and identified their wildfire preparedness and information needs.

A cross-sectional mixed-methods survey was conducted from April-July of 2023 of those with self-identified special needs in emergencies. The survey assessed self-reported wildfire preparedness, information needs, evacuation response, and health impacts.

A total of 53 surveys were completed for a response rate of 23.1%. Most respondents had medical conditions (94%). One-fifth (21%) of respondents reported missed or delayed medical appointments and harm to their health from the Oak Fire; these groups reported significantly more medical conditions (4.1 v. 2.5, P = 0.0055) and use of more medical devices (3.5 v 2, P = 0.007) than those without harm to their health. The most common way respondents learned about the Oak Fire was by seeing fire plumes/smelling smoke (59%); the most trusted information source was county officials (77%). Less than half of respondents (40%) evacuated during the Oak Fire.

Wildfires are associated with interruptions in medical care that harm health, particularly for medically at-risk populations.

After the accident at Tokyo Electric Power Company’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS) in 2011, many hospitalized older patients died during or after evacuation. In this study, with the aim of exploring the concept of “tailor-made” evacuations considering individual situations after a nuclear disaster, we estimated ambient dose equivalent rate (H*(10)) data from shortly after the accident and calculated exposure doses of hospitalized patients and medical personnel in several scenarios.

We used data from the Yamada district, which is located almost 4 km from the FDNPS and near 3 hospitals in which many patients died during or after evacuation. We created 10 simulation models considering differences in residential area, working hours, and distance from the workplace.

On March 15, 2011, H*(10) rapidly increased by more than 250 μSv/hour before steadily decreasing and reaching less than 50 μSv/hour 1 month later. None of the accumulated exposure doses in Models 1-3 reached 20 mSv. In Model 3 (hospitalized patients), the accumulated exposure doses were much less than 10 mSv.

To minimize disaster-related incidents after a nuclear disaster, the present findings highlight the importance of establishing the concept of “tailor-made” evacuations considering individual situations.

Risks and priorities change during the management of public health incidents. Here we describe a new tool, the Incident Management Measurement Tool (IMMT), that can be used to inform midcourse corrections during public health emergencies and realistic exercises.

We developed the IMMT through a literature review and subject matter expert interviews. We field tested the tool in 23 incidents ranging in size, duration, and complexity, making changes based on user feedback.

The IMMT consists of 2 modular data collection methods, a survey of the incident management team and a protocol for a peer assessor. Pilot testing suggested that the tool is valid, reliable, feasible, and useful.

Measurement of public health incident management is feasible and may be useful for improving response times and outcomes. Moreover, a limited set of standard measures is relevant to a wide range of incident response contexts.

Experts recommend preparedness to manage chronic diseases in case of disaster-related resource disruption. This study’s goal is to identify factors underlying personal medical preparedness (PMP) among participants from a hurricane-prone region.

A cross-sectional survey was completed during the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season with 120 insured adults age ≥50 in Southeast Louisiana with hypertension and ≥1 regular medication. PMP was measured using the validated Household Emergency Preparedness Instrument Access and Functional Needs Section (HEPI-AFN). Multivariable logistic regression analysis tested associations between PMP and exposure variables, including demographics, health, and hurricane experience.

The sample included 50% women, 43% Black, with mean age 62.6 (SD = 8.1) years and mean 51.3 (SD = 18.1) years living in hurricane-impacted area. Participants were prepared on an average 79% (SD = 21) of applicable HEPI-AFN items; 42 (35%) were prepared on 100% of PMP items. The most missed item was having 2 weeks of extra medication; open-responses noted refill policies as a common barrier to PMP. No factors were associated with increased odds of PMP.

While many participants in this insured, disaster-experienced sample are medically prepared, restrictive pharmaceutical refill policies may be a barrier. Research is needed to understand the impact of prescription refill and other policies on PMP.