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Disaster Radio for Communication of Vital Messages and Health-Related Information: Experiences From the Haiyan Typhoon, the Philippines

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 March 2016

Karin Hugelius ,
Mervyn Gifford ,
Per Örtenwall  and
Annsofie Adolfsson
Karin Hugelius*
Affiliation:
School of Health Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden Department of Anesthesia, Karlskoga Hospital, Karlskoga, Sweden
Mervyn Gifford
Affiliation:
School of Health Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
Per Örtenwall
Affiliation:
Sahlgrenska Akademin, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Annsofie Adolfsson
Affiliation:
School of Health Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
*
Correspondence and reprint requests to Karin Hugelius, School of Health and Medical Science, Örebro University, 70281 Orebro, Sweden (e-mail: karin.hugelius@oru.se).
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Abstract

Objective

Crisis communication is seen as an integrated and essential part of disaster management measures. After Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in the Philippines 2013, radio was used to broadcast information to the affected community. The aim of this study was to describe how disaster radio was used to communicate vital messages and health-related information to the public in one affected region after Typhoon Haiyan.

Methods

Mixed-methods analysis using qualitative content analysis and descriptive statistics was used to analyze 2587 logged radio log files.

Results

Radio was used to give general information and to demonstrate the capability of officials to manage the situation, to encourage, to promote recovery and foster a sense of hope, and to give practical advice and encourage self-activity. The content and focus of the messages changed over time. Encouraging messages were the most frequently broadcast messages. Health-related messages were a minor part of all information broadcast and gaps in the broadcast over time were found.

Conclusion

Disaster radio can serve as a transmitter of vital messages including health-related information and psychological support in disaster areas. The present study indicated the potential for increased use. The perception, impact, and use of disaster radio need to be further evaluated. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:591–597)

Keywords

communicationdisasternatural disastershealth communicationpsychosocial support
Type
Original Research
Information
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness , Volume 10 , Issue 4 , August 2016 , pp. 591 - 597
Copyright
Copyright © Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc. 2016 

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