344 - Assessment of Disaster Preparedness at the Household Level in a Pediatric Cardiology Clinic Population

Poster Number: 344
Publication Number: 344.448

Matthew J. Mosgrove, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; David Greenky, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Glen Iannucci, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Rebecca Philipsborn, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Amy M. Bohling, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Samantha Steigerwald, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Benjamin Herron, Emory University School of Medicine, Decatur, GA, United States; Andrew N. Jergel, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Brittany L.. Murray, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States

Background: Natural and human-provoked disasters pose serious health risks to children, particularly those with underlying medical conditions. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides preparedness recommendations for families, but little is known about recommendation adherence amongst children and youth with special healthcare needs (CYSHN).

Objective: This study aimed to assess household-level disaster preparedness in families with at least one child who attended pediatric cardiology clinic with a focus on CYSHN.

Design/Methods: Over a 3-month period, caregivers of children seen in a pediatric cardiology clinic in Atlanta, GA were recruited in clinic to complete an electronic survey. Participants self-reported child medical history information as well as their households’ implementation of AAP recommended disaster preparedness items (Y/N). Families received a link to AAP resources on household disaster preparedness and were offered a child ID card. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with Fisher's exact and Wilcoxon rank sum tests.

Results: The survey was completed by 121 caregivers, 68 (56%) of whom indicated that their child has a cardiac condition. There were 62 (51%) female and 63 (52%) white children of respondents with a mean age of 7.8 years [Table 1]. Of children with a cardiac condition, 41 (60%) regularly use medication, 14 (20%) use electronic equipment, 13 (19%) require a special diet, and 5 (7%) use oxygen [Table 2]. The average preparedness item completion rate was 70% for household preparedness, 40% for reunification preparedness, and 27% for community preparedness. Households of children with medical needs had similar rates of preparedness compared to overall rates [Table 3]. Of all respondents, 30% had previously received disaster preparedness resources, 66% would like resources on discussing disaster preparedness, and 90% intend to talk with their household about disaster preparedness after completing the survey.

Conclusion(s): These results demonstrate a gap between AAP recommendations and family adherence to household-level disaster preparedness. Both families of CYSHN and those without were not well prepared for disaster, but families were interested in the topic. The rate of families that received resources compared to those that would like resources highlights a need for intervention. Given the large proportion of respondents who indicated that they intend to discuss disaster preparedness with their household, pediatric subspecialists may consider asking about disaster preparedness and providing disaster preparedness resources tailored to the needs of their patients.