Economic Vulnerability, Discrimination, and Hurricane Katrina: Health Among Black Katrina Survivors in Eastern New Orleans

Abstract

BACKGROUND : Few works have viewed disaster relief in the context of socioeconomic disparity and racial inequality before Katrina. OBJECTIVE : By using the vulnerable-populations conceptual framework, our study aimed to investigate the relationship among economic vulnerability, perceived discrimination, and health outcomes among 69 Black Katrina survivors in Eastern New Orleans. STUDY DESIGN : A mixed-method approach, including survey and focus groups, was applied to collect data. RESULTS : Our findings suggested that a higher level of perceived racial discrimination during Katrina and financial strain post-Katrina were associated with more posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms; support provided by network members served to enhance mental and physical health. Compared with Black males, female survivors reported more PTSD symptoms and worse mental health. CONCLUSIONS : It is imperative for nursing scholars and public policies to directly address the intricacies of race, class, and gender inequality to deliver interventions tailored to meet the unique needs of vulnerable populations. J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc, 2007; 13(5), 257-266. DOI: 10.1177/1078390307307260