
Safety 2010 Conference CMS

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Background: Due to the relatively high risk of disasters and the rapidly growing immigrant population, disparities in disaster preparedness among immigrants are a serious concern in Southern California.  
Purpose: This study was designed to assess the differences in disaster-related perceptions and disaster preparedness between Latino and Asian (Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese) immigrants with limited English proficiency.
Methods: Data were collected from 207 participants using multi-lingual surveys through community-based ethnic organizations in Southern California.  
Results: Latinos were more likely to report receiving disaster preparedness information in their native language than Asians (OR=4.49, CI=1.86-10.84).  However, the level of disaster preparedness among Latinos was similar to Asians.  Latinos were less likely to feel that language would be a barrier to receiving immediate assistance in an emergency than Asians (OR=.34, CI=.16-.71).  Latino immigrants were more likely to rely on local agencies and personal networks than Asians (OR=2.51, CI=1.23-5.14; OR = 4.47, CI =2.01-9.93, respectively), whereas Asians were more likely to rely on official agencies than Latinos (OR=8.45, CI=3.34-21.36).  Both Latino and Asian groups reported television, radio and printed materials were useful communication tools.  Participants also showed a high interest in receiving disaster preparedness information by mail or phone. 
Conclusion: More disaster information should be distributed in Asian languages.  Asian and Latino immigrants with limited English proficiency would likely benefit from a combination of direct and indirect communication techniques for disaster preparedness interventions.  Official agencies should consider providing aid to Asian immigrants directly, and providing aid to Latino immigrants through local ethnic organizations.   
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