Tag: Health Communication

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Study Highlights Access to Information and the Impact on Behaviors During COVID-19

Workers shift protective gear.

A recent study published in the Journal of Emergency Management and Disaster Communication studied the impact of access to information regarding emergency behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study examined disease knowledge, dynamic news, government measures, and media in the context of how guidelines and information were communicated to the general public. The researchers analyzed preventative behaviors and their correlation with perceived risk among the general public, highlighting the profound effects media, misinformation, and public perception have on adhering to guidelines. The study notes that past research excluded the effects of information access during large-scale health crises, instead focusing on common infectious diseases.

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How Access to Online Information Reshaped COVID-19 Preparedness

Person wearing mask, on phone.

As the COVID-19 pandemic progressed, the internet emerged as a primary source of information, allowing people to become aware of the virus and how to prepare effectively. One study found information accessed during the COVID-19 pandemic changed the preparedness of Chinese netizens—active internet users—regarding the virus. According to the study, variable access to information influences how people perceive disastrous events, shaping their views on susceptibility and severity.

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Typhoon Shanshan Hits Japan, Millions Forced to Evacuate

Typhoon Shanshan hits Japan.

On August 30, Japan was struck by Typhoon Shanshan, prompting emergency warnings across the nation. Japanese authorities reported that over one million individuals were advised to evacuate due to extensive damage caused by the typhoon. Japan was hit with record-breaking rainfall and flooding, which particularly damaged structures along the southern coastline.

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Kristin Memoli’s Case Study on Volcán de Fuego Eruption in Guatemala

In June 2018, Guatemala’s Volcán de Fuego erupted, leading to the evacuation of 31,000 people, at least 99 deaths, and 15 injuries. The Guatemalan government had a delayed response to the event, which revealed weaknesses in its disaster preparedness. This, along with the public’s lack of knowledge of the dangers and risks of volcanic eruptions, caused one of the most fatal eruptions in Guatemalan history.

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An Analysis of Information Booklets’ Effectiveness in Post-Disaster Situations

Building destroyed from earthquake
Destroyed building from the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake.

In this study, a team of researchers are assessing whether booklets should be more widely considered in informing the public on disaster preparedness and response, especially their appropriateness in addressing the mental health toll of the recent Turkey-Syria earthquake. The team gathered data on the use of booklets, and found that they have been used in disaster response in several countries, including Ukraine, Malaysia, the United States, and Bosnia Herzegovina.

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Anthrax Outbreak Claims 17 Lives in Kyotera, Uganda

An anthrax outbreak in Kyotera District, Uganda, resulted in 17 fatalities this past November. The outbreak, initially referred to as a “strange disease” by residents, was confirmed by Dr. Edward Muwanga, the Kyotera District Health Officer. The deadly bacteria, Bacillus anthracis, is believed to have infected humans through contact with contaminated animal products or infected animals.

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Victoria Sevilla, Ivy van Domselaar, and Silvia Peñate’s Mass Psychogenic Illness Emergency Response Plan for Texas A&M University

Introduction: “Mass Psychogenic Illness (MPI) (also known as ‘mass hysteria’ or ‘mass sociogenic illness’) is the “rapid spread of illness signs and symptoms affecting members of a cohesive group…whereby physical complaints that are exhibited unconsciously have no corresponding organic etiology.’ Universities must be prepared for a potential outbreak that might affect students, faculty, staff, and other members of the community.”

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Mongolia Reviews New Pandemic Response Strategies Amid Covid-19 Outbreak

Photo courtesy of Tengis Galamez.

In preparation for the next pandemic, Mongolia underwent an extensive revision process to their current emergency response and preparedness plan. Mongolia conducted an extensive review and simulation exercise, mimicking an avian influenza outbreak, to determine the methods to alleviate stressors in the event of an outbreak. This call to action arose following identification of needed improvements as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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