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Disaster Preparedness of Independent Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Wolkowitz, Sheryl R
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=casednp1481711216530958

Abstract Details

2017, Doctor of Nursing Practice , Case Western Reserve University, School of Nursing.
Abstract Problem statement. The number of disasters, both natural and man-made, continues to increase all over the world. In addition, people who are age 65 years and older represent the largest growing segment of the population in the United States. Therefore, it is inevitable that a growing number of older adults will face the effects of disasters. Existing literature confirms that older adults are more vulnerable to poor health outcomes related to disasters. Since a large number of older adults are living independently in the community, their preparedness for disasters is of increasing concern. Aim. The purpose of this research study was to assess the disaster preparedness of independent community-dwelling older adults. Methods. The study involved a convenience sampling of older adults, 65 years and above, who were surveyed in three senior citizen centers in the New York metropolitan area. The survey included demographic questions, as well as questions related to hurricane preparedness. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-Square Test of Independence and logistic regression. Findings. Of 183 respondents 70% were female, 90% were Caucasian and the majority were between the ages of 71 and 89 (67%). Approximately half of the respondents had high school education or less, and half had some college education or more. Ninety-three percent were independent in activities of daily living skills. Two-thirds of the respondents reported missing at least one household item from the American Red Cross Guidelines. Prior hurricane experience did not influence personal preparedness. The only demographic factor that was predictive of preparedness was education. The higher the level of education, the more prepared respondents tended to be. The length of time living in a hurricane-prone area was also predictive of preparedness. In addition, only 39% had an evacuation plan. Conclusion. This study identified a lack of personal disaster preparedness among a sample of independent community-dwelling older adults. Public health initiatives must focus on the development and implementation of programs and policies to prepare older adults for disasters and thus improve health outcome.
Deborah Lindell, Dr. (Committee Chair)
109 p.
Nursing
disaster preparedness; personal preparedness; older adults; community-dwelling; vulnerable populations

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Wolkowitz, S. R. (2017). Disaster Preparedness of Independent Community-Dwelling Older Adults [Doctoral dissertation, Case Western Reserve University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=casednp1481711216530958

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Wolkowitz, Sheryl. Disaster Preparedness of Independent Community-Dwelling Older Adults. 2017. Case Western Reserve University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=casednp1481711216530958.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Wolkowitz, Sheryl. "Disaster Preparedness of Independent Community-Dwelling Older Adults." Doctoral dissertation, Case Western Reserve University, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=casednp1481711216530958

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

casednp1481711216530958
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This open access ETD is published by Case Western Reserve University Doctor of Nursing Practice and OhioLINK.