Chronic health needs immediately after natural disasters in middle-income countries: the case of the 2008 Sichuan, China earthquake.
Few studies have focused on chronic health needs immediately after natural disasters in middle-income countries. This study examines chronic medical needs during the acute phase after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in an emergency triage clinic in Sichuan, China. Information on physical, social, and public health preparedness was collected in predesigned templates. Descriptive and Pearson's χ association analyses were conducted. One hundred and eighty-two evacuees were received at the triage site. Of these, 54% required trauma treatment and 77% of evacuated patients who required care had underlying chronic medical conditions. Tetanus immunizations and the possession of chronic health medication were low, particularly among older patients. Chronic health needs constituted a significant proportion of emergency care during the acute phase in the study population. Effective post-disaster assistance requires attention to demographic and epidemiological population profiles.
Chan
Emily Y Y
EY
Chinese University of Hong Kong, School of Public Health and Primary Care, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong. emily.chan@cuhk.edu.hk
Kim
Jackie
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002681:China; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D054597:Disaster Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004190:Disasters; D055866:Earthquakes; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D015996:Survival Rate; D014218:Triage / Q000458:organization & administration*; D055815:Young Adult