Int Nurs Rev. 2025 Sep;72(3):e70067. doi: 10.1111/inr.70067.
ABSTRACT
AIMS: To assess home disaster preparedness levels of individuals with sickle cell disease to determine education and resource needs and inform policy. To evaluate the association between healthcare provider discussion of preparedness and level of preparedness.
BACKGROUND: Research demonstrates that extreme weather events and public health emergencies result in increased hospital visits for people with sickle cell disease, yet little is known about home disaster preparedness knowledge and actions of these individuals.
METHODS: Cross-sectional study of US adults diagnosed with sickle cell disease. The independent variable was the healthcare provider discussion of household disaster preparedness. The dependent variable was the Household Emergency Preparedness Instrument’s General Preparedness score. Participants self-reported their preparedness actions and disaster supplies through an online survey. Descriptive statistics were analyzed, along with a Welch t test, to examine the associations between the study variables. This study was reported according to the STROBE checklist.
RESULTS: The average General Preparedness score of this sample (N = 32) indicated that the majority of participants were not considered well prepared for disasters. Higher scores were found among participants who had discussions with their healthcare providers about how to prepare for disasters.
DISCUSSION: The sample’s average General Preparedness score was higher than other patient populations assessed with this instrument, possibly due to routine discussions about medical emergency preparedness that individuals with sickle cell disease receive from healthcare providers.
CONCLUSION: Home disaster preparedness levels should be improved to decrease disaster-related morbidity and mortality.
IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE AND POLICY: Nurses should develop or advocate for home disaster preparedness lessons, community interventions, and public policies to meet the unique needs of community members with sickle cell disease before, during, and after disasters.
PMID:40678875 | DOI:10.1111/inr.70067
