Chronic Disease in Health Emergencies: In the Eye of the Hurricane
Author Information
Author(s): Ford Earl S, Mokdad Ali H, Link Michael W, Garvin William S, McGuire Lisa C, Jiles Ruth B, Balluz Lina S
Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
How can a current surveillance system provide estimates of the potential needs for emergency treatment of chronic diseases in the wake of a natural disaster?
Conclusion
A surveillance system like the BRFSS can help assess the needs of people with chronic diseases after disasters and aid in planning relief efforts.
Supporting Evidence
- 9.0% of participants had diabetes, representing an estimated 87,944 people.
- 25.4% of adults had at least one chronic condition.
- 79.4% of those with diabetes reported using oral glucose-lowering medications.
Takeaway
After a hurricane, many people with ongoing health issues need special care, and we can use surveys to find out how many there are and what they need.
Methodology
Data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) in 2004 was used to estimate the prevalence of chronic diseases among adults in the New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner area.
Potential Biases
All information was based on self-reports, which may introduce bias.
Limitations
The analysis could not restrict to specific geographic areas, and sample sizes were too small for robust estimates.
Participant Demographics
Participants ranged from 18 to 92 years old, with 36% men, 64% white, 28% African American, 4% Hispanic, and 10% not completing high school.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 22.8%–28.2%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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