Communicating the Risks of Bioterrorism and Other Emergencies in a Diverse Society: A Case Study of Special Populations in North Dakota

Abstract

In the event that terrorists use air, water, or food to deliver destructive agents to civilian populations, some groups and populations may be disproportionately at risk and have unique communications needs. Bioterrorism represents an even greater national public health threat if the nation's preparedness and readiness plans do not address the needs and perspectives of, for example, low-income residents, racially and ethnically diverse communities, and other "special populations". The objective of this study was to develop communications strategies to reach special populations in North Dakota before, during, and after a bioterrorism attack or other crisis. To achieve the study objectives, the investigators used telephone interviews and telephone focus groups with organizations that represented special populations. Areas of inquiry included attitudes and concerns about crises, sources of information used and those identified as most credible, methods to reach people during a crisis event, and awareness of and attitudes about the agencies and organizations that affect risk communications.

If It Is Meant to Be, Let It Be: Risk communication among Bosnian Refugees Resettled in the U.S.

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Canadians' Representation of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) Terrorism: A Content Analysis

“…This study did not explicitly examine the impact of uncertainty about terrorism on response to an event; however, findings could be taken to suggest that individuals who are less informed about terrorism are more likely to be strongly affected by an attack. Of course, we recognize that other variables such as trust in government or institutions, awareness of information sources, and feelings of fear or vulnerability about terrorism may influence the public's ability or willingness to prepare for and follow recommendations subsequent to an event (McGough et al 2005;Siegrist and Cvetkovich 2000;Wray and Jupka 2004).…”

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“…Trusted sources may be enlisted in designing and disseminating these messages. ( 101,102 ) If these audiences lack the material resources or physical abilities needed to protect themselves, communication is an incomplete solution.…”