Department of Public Health, Tuvalu Ministry of Health, Funafuti, Tuvalu.
School of Public Health and Primary Care, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji.
PLoS One. 2020 Oct 29;15(10):e0241180. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241180. eCollection 2020.
Historically, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) are disproportionately affected by disasters. In Pacific Island Countries (PICs), the risks and vulnerabilities of PwDs arise from social inequalities, as well as environmental barriers. As the frequency and intensity of disasters will increase over the next decade, it is critical that the challenges faced by PwDs are addressed and that they are prepared.
This study explores disaster preparedness, perceptions, and experiences with disasters among PwDs in Tuvalu.
This qualitative study was carried out among people with physical and sensory disabilities and without post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), who are aged 21 and above. Using grounded theory methodology, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 24 participants, with 7 then participating in a Focus Group Discussion (FGD).
A total of 31 PwDs participated, of which 65% were male and 35% female, with a mean age of 44 ±15.70. The results showed how the PwDs ability to prepare, their perceptions, and experiences with disasters have contributed to their resilience to disasters.
This study highlights the importance of understanding PwDs lived disaster experience to improve their preparedness and resilience for future disasters. This knowledge will assist government and non-government organisations, communities, and families to develop policies and plans that will enhance the preparedness of PwDs for disasters.
历史上，残疾人（PwDs）受灾比例过高。在太平洋岛国（PICs），残疾人的风险和脆弱性源于社会不平等以及环境障碍。随着未来十年灾害的频率和强度增加，解决残疾人面临的挑战并做好准备至关重要。
本研究探讨了图瓦卢残疾人的备灾意识、对灾害的认知和经历。
本定性研究在年龄在 21 岁及以上、无创伤后应激障碍（PTSD）的肢体和感官残疾人群中进行。采用扎根理论方法，对 24 名参与者进行了半结构化深入访谈，其中 7 名参与者随后参加了焦点小组讨论（FGD）。
共有 31 名残疾人参与，其中 65%为男性，35%为女性，平均年龄为 44 ± 15.70 岁。结果表明，残疾人的备灾能力、对灾害的认知和经历如何有助于他们应对灾害的韧性。
本研究强调了了解残疾人的实际灾害经历对于提高他们对未来灾害的备灾和韧性的重要性。这些知识将有助于政府和非政府组织、社区和家庭制定政策和计划，以增强残疾人对灾害的备灾能力。
