A Comprehensive Assessment of Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Response for Ohio’s Resettled Communities: A Mixed-Methods Assessment of Knowledge, Barriers, and Solutions

Isha Karmacharya, Surendra Bir Adhikari, Elizabeth Poprocki, Mary Neely Young, Shuayb Jama, Denise Martin, Seleshi Ayalew Asfaw and Saruna Ghimire ()
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Isha Karmacharya: Department of Sociology and Gerontology and Scripps Gerontology Center, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
Surendra Bir Adhikari: Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
Elizabeth Poprocki: Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
Mary Neely Young: Department of Kinesiology, Nutrition, & Health, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
Shuayb Jama: Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services, Columbus, OH 43213, USA
Denise Martin: Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services, Columbus, OH 43213, USA
Seleshi Ayalew Asfaw: Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services, Columbus, OH 43213, USA
Saruna Ghimire: Department of Sociology and Gerontology and Scripps Gerontology Center, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 10, 1-24

Abstract: This study evaluated emergency preparedness, covering knowledge, challenges, and culturally and linguistically appropriate resources among five resettled refugee communities in Central Ohio: Afghan, Bhutanese, Congolese, Ethiopian/Eritrean, and Somali. It also explored youth perceptions of community engagement and the effectiveness of current crisis support initiatives. A mixed-methods approach was used, consisting of a cross-sectional quantitative survey of 266 adults and a qualitative 60-min focus group discussion with 10 youth from the resettled communities. Quantitative data was analyzed with descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests assessing differences in preparedness across communities. Quantitative findings showed that the Bhutanese group reported the highest familiarity with preparedness concepts (33.3%), while Afghan and Congolese communities showed significant gaps. Of the 266 overall respondents, only 39.5% had an emergency plan, and 15.8% felt extremely confident in handling emergencies. Language barriers were major challenges, along with those related to race and ethnic identity, religious practices, and cultural norms. Effective platforms for engagement included community meetings, religious sites, and social media, with text messages and phone calls preferred for emergency communication. Youth discussion highlighted key public health concerns, particularly gun violence, substance abuse, and mental health crises, with stigma and limited resources further hindering preparedness efforts. Participants emphasized the need for culturally relevant interventions and stronger community engagement.

Keywords: refugee health; emergency preparedness; public health emergencies; youth engagement (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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