Terrorism-related Fear And Avoidance Behavior Disproportionately Experienced By Vulnerable Populations

Main Category: Psychology / Psychiatry
Article Date: 17 Nov 2008 - 0:00 PST

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Vulnerable populations experience a disproportionate burden of the psychosocial impact of terrorism threats and our national response, according to a new study.

Researchers conducted a random telephone-based dial survey in six languages of the Los Angeles County population between October 2004 and January 2005. They questioned respondents about what color alert level the country was under, how often they worry about terrorist attacks and how often they avoid activities because of terrorism. Researchers found that African Americans, Latinos, Chinese Americans, Korean Americans, non-U.S. citizens, persons who are mentally ill and those who are disabled were more likely to perceive population-level risk as high, as measured by the estimated color-coded alert level. Furthermore, these groups reported more anxiety and avoidance behaviors because of concerns about terrorism.

"Ethnic minorities may presume that planners will focus on the majority population and ignore their needs or special circumstances…The disaster burden associated with terrorism and consequent policies may fall disproportionately on the vulnerable groups we studied," stated the study's authors. "Further studies should investigate the specific behaviors affected and further elucidate disparities in the disaster burden associated with terrorism and terrorism policies."

"Terrorism-Related Fear and Avoidance Behavior in a Multiethnic Urban Population."
David Eisenman, MD, MSHS et al
American Journal of Public Health

The American Journal of Public Health is the monthly Journal of the American Public Health Association (APHA), the oldest and most diverse organization of public health professionals in the world. APHA is a leading publisher of books and periodicals promoting sound scientific standards, action programs and public policy to enhance health. More information is available at www.apha.org.

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