(WITHDRAWN) Multi-Dimensional Long-Term Negative Impact on Individuals' Lives after Tornadoes: Disparities Evidenced for Racial/Ethnic Minorities

Background/Purpose:Natural disasters such as windstorms can cause severe damage to the physical and social environment, causingdeath, injuries, and financial losses. Annually, windstorms causealmost two-thirds of total uninsured losses,and tornadoes cause more deaths than hurricanes and earthquakes combined. Disaster-associated stresses contribute to various shortand long-term negative impacts. The social vulnerability approach suggests disparities in experiencing the negative impact of disasters, but few studies have addressed patterns of disparities in multiple dimensions.

Research Question: How are low income and racial/ethnic minority status associated with different dimensions of negative impact of tornadoes?

Methods:Data and Samples: Data were obtained in 2014, a year after two violent tornadoes in Moore, Oklahoma (EF 5) and Hattiesburg, Missippi (EF 4).Telephone surveys based on random digit dialingwere conducted with residents aged 18 years and above in selected zip (postal) codes on the tornado tracks.  

Variables: Several dependent variables were used from self-report ratings of the tornado’s long-term negative influence on (1) finances, (2) health, (3) emotional well-being, (4) job security, (5) family relationships, (6) friends/colleague relationships , (7) relationship with community, and (8) life in general. Variables were assessed using a five-point Likert scale (1 = no influence to 5 = extremely severe influence). A sum score of negative influence from all of the dependent variables was calculated. Additionally, each negative influence variable was dummy coded, 0=no to slight influence; 1=moderate to extremely severe influence. Key independent variables related to disadvantaged status included racial/ethnic minority status (0 = White, 1 = others). Control variables included female gender ( =1), older adult age (65 years and above, = 1) not married and having a low income (below $20,000).

Analysis: Using SPSS v. 25, negative binomial regression for the sum score of negative influence and binary logistic regression for each dependent variable were utilized.  

Results:Negative binomial regression showed that people of minority racial/ethnic status have higher odds (94%) of experiencing negative impacts in more dimensions than their white counterparts. Binary logistic regression evidenced statistically significant relationships between minority status and 6 of the 8 dependent variables. Odds that the tornado would have a long-term negative influence for people of minority status was 144% higher for personal finances, 200% higher for personal health, 199% higher for job security, 228% higher for relationships with friends and colleagues, and 192% higher for their relationship with the community. No significant relationship between minority status and long-term negative influence for emotional well-being or life in general was evidenced. Additionally, no statistically significant relationships were found for any long-term negative influence variable and low-income status.

Conclusions and Implications:Findings revealed a preponderance of dimensions of negative life experience and race/ethnic minority status in shaping the experiences of two violent tornadoes. Despite the needs that many disadvantaged populations have after a natural disaster, how the racial/ethnic minority status affects the overall preparation, responses, and recovery processes needs to be better understood in order to provide a greater spectrum of improved and culturally appropriate supports.