Preparedness of Afghan Refugees for Disasters

Abstract

Introduction:

Refugees encounter many obstacles en route to the United States. Refugees face very different disasters and response resources in the US than in their home countries. On arrival to the US, refugees receive a brief introduction to disaster preparedness, but do not receive specific education based on their home country or final location of residence. This study aims to determine the preparedness levels of Afghan refugees in the United States.

Method:

This study used a modified General Disaster Preparedness Belief Scale (mGDPBS). The mGDPBS consists of 20 of the 45 questions from the GDPBS, selected from each of the six subscales most applicable to the refugee population. Ten Afghan refugee families were selected from the Afghan community in Virginia.Refugees were interviewed by a recorded one hour interview via Zoom. A list of the questions were provided, and a translator was available to ask the questions in the respective language of the refugee: Dari or Pashtu.

Results:

Data collection and analysis to be completed by January 30, 2023.

Conclusion:

Data collection and analysis to be completed by January 30, 2023.