All Hazard Disaster Preparedness for Kūpuna Living With Mobility Impairments in Papakōlea

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: As disasters have increased in frequency and severity, the need for all-hazard disaster preparedness has become more acute. Education on disaster preparedness and risk reduction can decrease negative outcomes significantly. The purpose of this scholarly quality improvement project was to develop, implement, and evaluate the impact of a disaster preparedness education program to assist Native Hawaiian elders with mobility impairments. The primary goal was to promote increased knowledge about disasters and improve all-hazard disaster preparedness (AHDP). Method: A convenience sample of ten (n = 10) elders ages 65 years and older living in Papakōlea participated in a household disaster preparedness educational program along with two staff members. The Brownson Evidence Based Public Health (EBPH) seven-stage process model was used to steer this project (Brownson, Fielding, & Maylahn, 2009). The program consisted of risk awareness and disaster planning education. A pretest and posttest questionnaire listing the same questions were used to determine improved AHDP. Results: All ten Papakōlea participants (80%) reported an increase in knowledge and confidence in disaster preparedness risk awareness and disaster education. Two Papakōlea staff members trained on use of the disaster preparedness materials demonstrated ability to provide future trainings and sustain the project. Discussion: Based of the findings, it is recommended that Papakōlea staff continue to provide education within the community of Papakōlea on disaster preparedness and planning for the kūpuna.