Measuring functioning and disability after a disaster: results from the typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda-affected areas of the Philippines.
The most commonly reported data after natural disasters are the number of deceased and displaced and the structural and economic damage, whereas disability data are often lacking. Our study assessed disability among the survivors of the Haiyan/Yolanda typhoon that struck Philippines in 2013 and is aimed to identify which context-level variables are associated with higher disability. We used a cross-sectional design and administered a household questionnaire, an individual sociodemographic questionnaire, and the WHODAS 2.0 to 1982 adults. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to address the degree to which demographic variables, effects of the typhoon, individual health state, and rural or urban residence were associated with higher disability. Those aged above 65, employed individuals, students, those not living in their households, and those with one or more health condition or rating their own as health moderate or very poor had higher likelihood of having severe disability. Survivors living in rural contexts and those who received tools/materials to repair their houses were less likely to have higher disability. This study outlines that disability can and should be used as an indicator in surveys after emergencies to identify the most vulnerable groups, thus guiding policies, reconstruction strategies, and health and social interventions.
aDepartment of Neurology, Public Health and Disability Unit, Neurological Institute Carlo Besta IRCCS Foundation, Milan, Italy bAsian Center - University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City cSocial Development Research Center (SDRC) - De La Salle University dInclusive Development and Empowerment Agenda (IDEA) eEmergency and Humanitarian Action, Division of Health Security and Emergencies - World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines fDepartment of Information, Evidence and Research - World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
Matilde
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Leonardi
Rolando
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Talampas
Somnath
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Chatterji
Nenad F
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Kostanjsek
Crisanto
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Regadio
Maria C
MC
Tarroja
Silvia
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Schiavolin
Nirmala
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Naidoo
Alberto
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Raggi
Mona
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Pindog
Jerome
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Zayas
Nevio
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Zagaria
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D055867:Cyclonic Storms; D004190:Disasters; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010679:Philippines; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult