title: Assessment of pandemic preparedness in a socially vulnerable community in south Texas.
abstract: The purpose of this research was to obtain information about general and pandemic preparedness efforts of residents within San Patricio County in South Texas, as well as to identify the most effective means of communicating the risks posed by pandemic influenza. The population of San Patricio County is socially vulnerable to a variety of disasters, including influenza pandemics due to the unique demographic profile of the county as well as its location on the Gulf Coast. The goals of this study were to help with pandemic planning efforts and to provide recommendations that could serve as a foundation for building more resilient communities within San Patricio County. Clearly the various governmental levels must work together to assist communities prepare for pandemic preparedness but broad, inclusive community participation is also necessary to strengthen community resilience.
authors.affiliation: Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi, USA.
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kiltz
authors.affiliation: Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi, USA.
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fonseca
authors.affiliation: Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi, USA.
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rodriguez
authors.affiliation: Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi, USA.
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Munoz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003256:Community Participation / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003625:Data Collection; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D058873:Pandemics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D040442:Public Health Informatics / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D013689:Telephone; D013781:Texas / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult