A naukri.com initiative
Bioengineer
1w
168
Image Credit: Bioengineer
Drexel Study Finds Climate Disasters Cause Lasting Shortages in Health Care Access
- A study by Drexel University and the University of Maryland reveals that severe climate disasters lead to lasting shortages in health care access, beyond immediate recovery efforts.
- Research analyzing data from over 3,000 U.S. counties between 2000 and 2014 shows a significant correlation between natural disasters and the loss of health care infrastructure such as hospitals and outpatient facilities.
- The study, capturing all climate disasters causing measurable damage, highlights a link between disaster severity and reduced access to outpatient care services in communities.
- Moderate to major disasters are found to increase the risk of outpatient care facility closures, impacting disease management and preventive care, especially in disadvantaged areas.
- Contrary to expectations, no significant association between climate disasters and pharmacy closures was discovered, possibly due to existing limitations in pharmacy access.
- Socioeconomic factors play a crucial role in health care infrastructure resilience, with higher poverty rates and racial segregation linked to sustained losses of health facilities post-disasters.
- The study emphasizes the need for strategic investments in disaster resilience to address the persistent reduction of health care access after climate-induced catastrophic events.
- Without comprehensive policy interventions and financial commitments to strengthen health infrastructure, communities face interruptions in care and compromised health outcomes post-disasters.
- Future research should delve into policy implications, funding mechanisms, and community resilience initiatives to mitigate the impact of climate disasters on health infrastructure.
- Collaborative efforts and targeted support are essential to ensure equitable recovery and prevent widening health care disparities exacerbated by climate-related disasters.
Read Full Article
10 Likes
For uninterrupted reading, download the app