a Division of Life Sciences , Rutgers University , Piscataway , NJ , USA.
b Environmental and Occupational Health Science Institute , Rutgers University , Piscataway , NJ , USA.
J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2019;82(2):128-141. doi: 10.1080/15287394.2019.1568329. Epub 2019 Feb 5.
This survey investigation assessed an economically challenged and largely minority population regarding concerns, evacuation status, medical needs and access to care during, and after, Hurricane Sandy by ethnicity status for patients using New Jersey's Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC). Data obtained contribute to understanding risk from disasters, and improving environmental justice for vulnerable populations following disasters. FQHCs provide medical and dental services for 5% of New Jersey 's population; 95% of those served are uninsured, underinsured, or live below the poverty level. Economically vulnerable individuals are more at risk and were disproportionately harmed by Sandy. There were ethnic differences in days evacuated, days without power and heat, self-rating of personal/family impact, center use, need and access, and interruptions of care and medications. Hispanics and Blacks reported needing centers significantly more than White population. Primary medical conditions were diabetes, asthma, hypertension, and arrhythmia and heart disease, which did not vary ethnically. Understanding medical needs and concerns of vulnerable populations may help policymakers and practitioners prepare and respond promptly to disasters, reducing risk, and building resiliency for the medical care system.
本调查研究评估了一个经济困难且以少数族裔为主的人群，这些人在飓风桑迪期间和之后，根据使用新泽西州联邦合格医疗中心 (FQHC) 的患者的种族地位，对其关注问题、疏散状况、医疗需求和获得医疗服务的机会进行了评估。所获得的数据有助于了解灾害风险，并在灾害发生后为弱势人群改善环境正义。FQHC 为新泽西州 5%的人口提供医疗和牙科服务；服务对象中有 95%的人没有保险、保险不足或生活在贫困线以下。经济弱势群体面临更大的风险，并且在桑迪飓风中受到不成比例的伤害。在疏散天数、停电和停暖天数、个人/家庭影响自评、中心使用、需求和获得情况以及医疗和药物服务中断方面存在种族差异。西班牙裔和非裔报告说比白人更需要中心服务。主要的医疗条件是糖尿病、哮喘、高血压和心律失常以及心脏病，这些条件在种族上没有差异。了解弱势人群的医疗需求和关注点可能有助于政策制定者和从业者为灾害做好准备并迅速做出反应，从而降低风险，并为医疗保健系统建立弹性。
