Disaster Survivors' Anticipated Received Support in a Future Disaster. (20th February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lowe, Sarah R.; Young, Megan N.; Acosta, Joie; Sampson, Laura; Gruebner, Oliver; Galea, Sandro
• Is Part Of: Disaster medicine and public health preparedness. Volume 12:Number 6(2018)
• Page Start: 711
• Page End: 717
• Publication Date: 2018-02-20
• Subjects: natural disasters, -- Hurricane Sandy, -- social support, -- social networks; Disaster medicine -- Periodicals; Emergency management -- Planning -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; 363.34
• DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2017.148
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1935-7893

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to examine factors associated with receipt of post-disaster support from network (eg, family or friends) and non-network (eg, government agencies) sources. Methods: Participants (n=409) were from a population-based sample of Hurricane Sandy survivors surveyed 25-28 months post-disaster. Survivors were asked to imagine a future disaster and indicate how much they would depend on network and non-network sources of support. In addition, they reported on demographic characteristics, disaster-related exposure, post-traumatic stress, and depression. Information on the economic and social resources in survivors' communities was also collected. Results: Multilevel multivariable regression models found that lack of insurance coverage and residence in a neighborhood wherein more persons lived alone were associated with survivors anticipating less network and non-network support. In addition, being married or cohabiting was significantly associated with more anticipated network support, whereas older age and having a high school education or less were significantly associated with less anticipated network support. Conclusions: By having survivors anticipate a future disaster scenario, this study provides insight into predictors of post-disaster receipt of network and non-network support. Further research is needed to examine how these findings correspond to survivors' received support in the aftermath of future disasters. ( Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness . 2018;12:711-717)