Factors Associated with Hurricane Evacuation: A Statistical Meta-Analysis of Studies, 1999-2018. Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • OBJECTIVE: Hurricane evacuation is one of the strategies employed by emergency management and other agencies to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with hurricanes. However, factors associated with residents' evacuation decision-making have been inconsistent. In this study, we conducted a statistical meta-analysis to identify factors associated with hurricane evacuation as well as moderators of the evacuation decision. METHODS: A systematic literature search identified 36 studies published between 1999 and 2018. Pooled estimates were calculated using random-effects models, and heterogeneity across studies was checked using both Q and I2 statistics. Meta-regression methods were used to identify moderators. Publication bias was assessed using both visual (funnel plots) and statistical methods. RESULTS: Mobile home residence, perception of risk, female sex, and Hispanic ethnicity were statistically associated with hurricane evacuation, while geographic region modified the relationship between Hispanic race and evacuation. CONCLUSIONS: Agencies responsible for preparedness may utilize these findings to identify specific population sub-groups for hurricane evacuation communication and other interventions. Future studies should consider statistical interactions and explore opportunities for research translation to emergency officials.

published proceedings

  • Disaster Med Public Health Prep

author list (cited authors)

  • Karaye, I. M., Taylor, N., Perez-Patron, M., Thompson, C., & Horney, J. A.

citation count

  • 1

complete list of authors

  • Karaye, Ibraheem M||Taylor, Nicholas||Perez-Patron, Maria||Thompson, Courtney||Horney, Jennifer A

publication date

  • April 2021