Katrina-related health concerns of Latino survivors and evacuees

This article examines health concerns identified by Latinos who resided in the path of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and Mississippi. Data were collected for this qualitative descriptive study through individual, open-ended interviews with 93 Latino survivors and evacuees in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Georgia. Findings describe health concerns and experiences, including hunger, environmental health risks, sleep disturbances, and access to health care for acute and chronic conditions. Health and illness factored into personal and family decisions on whether or not to stay, evacuate, or return home following the storm. Problems accessing health care were compounded for the undocumented and uninsured. The findings have implications for further disaster research and may inform emergency preparedness policy development and the planning and implementation of disaster-related health care services for Latinos and other minority and underserved groups.