Disaster Preparedness
The effects of Disasters on Access to Healthcare and Services in Houston Willie Rajvong* Willie Rajvong Wilford Robinson Roger Zoorob Christine Walther Jacqueline Hirth
Introduction: Disasters, such as flooding or the COVID-19 pandemic, have caused delays in the provision of medical supplies, medication, and treatment. This study assessed the effects of flooding and COVID-19 on access to healthcare and related services.
Methods: This pilot study surveyed adults attending community clinics and libraries in areas of Houston prone to flooding from 3/1/2022 – 10/7/2022 and assessed how access to health and support services were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and flooding. Comparisons were made between those who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and those who were not, and those affected by flooding (homes/vehicles damaged) and those who were not with chi-square analyses, t-tests, and unadjusted and adjusted logistic models for either comorbidities or race/ethnicity. Significance was assessed at p<0.05 for logistic regression analyses and p<0.10 for all other analyses.
Results: Among 206 adults, 20.39% had lost homes or vehicles due to flooding, and 33.5% were diagnosed with COVID-19. Those affected by flooding were more likely to have delayed access to medical care (OR: 7.52; 95% CI: 2.94 – 19.22), delays filling prescriptions (OR: 5.47; 95% CI: 1.18 – 25.49), the closest hospital closed (OR: 3.45; 95% CI: 1.00 – 11.91), their doctor’s office closed (OR: 3.04; 95% CI: 1.25 – 7.38), the closest grocery store closed (OR: 4.60; 95% CI: 2.10 – 10.09), were unable to get food (OR: 3.28; 95% CI: 1.34 – 8.05), and could not get needed medical care (OR: 6.45; 95% CI: 1.73 – 24.07). Those with COVID-19 had reduced access to the nearest hospital (OR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.06 – 3.98).
Conclusion: These findings highlight the community level needs for planning related to expanded access to care and support services during emergency situations. Plans for communities that flood frequently in Houston should include how to expand access for those with comorbidities who may have restricted ability to get needed services.