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Health Care Student Perceptions of Societal Vulnerability to Disasters in the Context of Population Aging

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 July 2018

Peter Lucas Open the ORCID record for Peter Lucas [Opens in a new window] ,
Michael Annear ,
Wayne Harris ,
Helen Eyles  and
Auston Rotheram
Peter Lucas*
Affiliation:
University of Tasmania, Australia
Michael Annear
Affiliation:
International Christian University, Tokyo, Japan
Wayne Harris
Affiliation:
University of Tasmania, Australia
Helen Eyles
Affiliation:
University of Tasmania, Australia
Auston Rotheram
Affiliation:
University of Tasmania, Australia
*
Correspondence and reprint requests to Dr Peter Lucas, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia (e-mail: p.v.lucas@utas.edu.au).
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Abstract

Objective

This paper reports on undergraduate health care students’ perception of societal vulnerability to disasters in the context of population aging. Forecast increases in extreme weather events are likely to have a particularly devastating effect on older members of the community.

Methods

Undergraduate paramedicine and nursing students were surveyed using the Perceptions of Ageing and Disaster Vulnerability Scale (PADVS) to determine their views on the risks posed to older members of the community by disasters. Data analysis included a comparison of subscales relating to isolation, health system readiness, declining function, and community inclusiveness.

Results

Students reported a moderate level of concern about disaster vulnerability. Students who had previously completed another university degree reported significantly higher levels of concern than those without a prior degree. Australian students reported lower concern about societal vulnerability compared to a previously reported cohort of Japanese students.

Conclusion

Our study suggests current education of future health care students does not promote adequate levels of awareness of the health-related challenges posed by disasters, particularly among older members of the community. Without addressing this gap in education, the risk of negative outcomes for both unprepared first responders and older members of the community is significant. (Disaster Med Public Health Prep. 2019;13:449-455)

Keywords

disastersextreme weather eventshealth care studentspopulation agingvulnerability
Type
Original Research
Information
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness , Volume 13 , Issue 3 , June 2019 , pp. 449 - 455
Copyright
Copyright © 2018 Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc. 

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