Emergency preparedness is a healthcare issue: COVID-19 pandemic's influence on attitudes and behaviors among a national sample of parents

Abstract

Background: Improving household emergency preparedness (EP) is a public health priority, yet little is known about what influence the COVID-19 pandemic had on families' EP. This study aimed to explore current EP attitudes and behaviors.

Methods: We conducted online focus groups in Winter 2022 with a nationwide sample of parents of adolescents. We held six 90-min focus groups of 9-15 participants using a semi-structured interview script that elicited parental knowledge and attitudes related to household EP. Two researchers conducted qualitative content analysis on focus group transcripts. First-level coding within and across scripts was used to identify broad categories or themes regarding EP. The process was reviewed continuously to verify data and coding procedures. Three investigators independently verified the final themes that emerged.

Results: Participants (N = 64) were mostly female (n = 54, 84.3%), white (n = 46, 71.9%), and college-educated (n = 49, 76.6%). Major themes included: 1) Expanded awareness and behavioral change related to EP due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2) Reconceptualization of planning for family health as part of EP, 3) Changing perspectives related to vaccination as a component of EP, and 4) Perspectives related to discussing EP with their health care provider.

Conclusions: EP was described as a healthcare issue and healthcare providers were identified as trusted sources of EP information. Interventions to support providers' ability to assist with individual EP health action plans, including discussing vaccination as part of preparedness are needed.