Reducing health inequalities in disasters: A cross-sectional study of the viability of 'vulnerability' terminology and of priority lists in the UK.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In disasters, people with certain characteristics repeatedly experience health inequalities. In the UK, people predicted to experience poorer health outcomes are often described as 'vulnerable'. Various services compile lists of 'vulnerable' people eligible for interventions in disasters to reduce health disparities.

Study aim

To explore the viability of current approaches to reducing health inequalities in disasters, we tested whether people typically described as 'vulnerable' by public health and emergency planners self-identify as 'vulnerable' in a disaster, and whether they are registered on a 'vulnerability list'.

Study design

We collected data from 5148 UK-based adults using a cross-sectional online survey from July-September 2022, using nationally re

SUBMITTER: Ellis Logan P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11795149 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature