The September 1985 earthquakes in Mexico resulted in impacts on the health and well-being of a population and thus provided an opportunity for gaining insights into the little-studied epidemiology of natural disasters. The intent of this research was to examine patterns of morbidity, health care utilization, and relocation trends in the disaster zone of Mexico City during a nine-month period following the earthquake and to provide direction for relief efforts in the aftermath of a similar catastrophe elsewhere Based on a multistage sampling plan, 504 households from twenty-eight randomly selected camps, or twenty-two percent of camp households, were surveyed eight months after the earthquake. Information at the individual level was gathered for 2,427 persons within the disaster zone at the time of the earthquake, or twenty percent of approximately 12,000 camp residents Although less than one percent of the study population was injured, the injured and non-injured differed significantly with respect to age and height of residence relative to ground level. A rate of 74.1 injuries per 1000 persons was determined among the 60+ age group while 5.3 per 1000 was observed in children 6-14 years. Results of logistic regression indicated that age was significant in predicting injury. The injured tended to have been positioned on ground level or on the third floor or higher of a structure. Trauma to the lower extremities was observed with high frequency Although fear accounted for most perceived illnesses at the time of the earthquake, medical care was sought instead for chest pains, high blood pressure, and respiratory conditions Local medical institutions provided emergency care for all cases for which attention was received. No mention was made of foreign medical relief groups While a destroyed dwelling prompted relocation of a household, choice of a temporary settlement was influenced significantly by solidarity of the pre-earthquake neighborhood During the relief period (two weeks-two months after the disaster), households moved most often and nearer the former residence when compared to other phases Results emphasized the need for a working disaster plan in urban areas and that aid be directed by neighborhood. Further research was proposed for disaster-specific epidemiologic methods, statistical generation of movement patterns, and post-disaster behavioral issues / acase@tulane.edu
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:TULANE/oai:http://digitallibrary.tulane.edu/:tulane_23509 |
| Date | January 1987 |
| Contributors | Malilay, Josephine Nancy Poblacion (Author) |
| Publisher | Tulane University |
| Source Sets | Tulane University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | Access requires a license to the Dissertations and Theses (ProQuest) database., Copyright is in accordance with U.S. Copyright law |
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