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Disaster Preparedness in a Resettled Refugee Community: Qualitative Findings

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 January 2024

David Greenky Open the ORCID record for David Greenky [Opens in a new window] ,
Saria Hassan ,
Kayleigh Nerhood ,
Mary Helen O’Connor ,
Nicole Pozzo ,
Prachi Prasad ,
Emily Schoendorf ,
Subada Soti  and
Brittany Murray
David Greenky*
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics and Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
Saria Hassan
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
Kayleigh Nerhood
Affiliation:
Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
Mary Helen O’Connor
Affiliation:
Georgia State University Prevention Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
Nicole Pozzo
Affiliation:
Emory College of Arts and Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
Prachi Prasad
Affiliation:
Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
Emily Schoendorf
Affiliation:
Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
Subada Soti
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
Brittany Murray
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics and Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
*
Corresponding author: David Greenky; Email: dgreenk@emory.edu
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Abstract

Introduction:

Under-resourced communities face disaster preparedness challenges. Research is limited for resettled refugee communities, which have unique preparedness needs.

Study Objective:

This study aims to assess disaster preparedness among the refugee community in Clarkston, GA.

Methods:

Twenty-five semi-structured interviews were completed with community stakeholders. Convenience sampling using the snowball method was utilized until thematic saturation was reached. Thematic analysis of interviews was conducted through an inductive, iterative approach by a multidisciplinary team using manual coding and MAXQDA.

Results:

Three themes were identified: First, prioritization of routine daily needs took precedence for families over disaster preparedness. Second, communication impacts preparedness. Community members speak different languages and often do not have proficiency in English. Access to resources in native languages and creative communication tactics are important tools. Finally, the study revealed a unique interplay between government, community-based organizations, and the refugee community. A web of formal and informal responses is vital to helping this community in times of need.

Conclusion:

The refugee community in Clarkston, GA faces challenges, and disaster preparedness may not be top of mind for them. However, clear communication, disaster preparedness planning, and collaboration between government, community-based organizations, and the community are possible areas to focus on to bolster readiness.

Keywords

RefugeesDisaster PlanningDisastersHuman MigrationPublic Health
Type
Original Research
Information
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness , Volume 18 , 2024 , e2
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc

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