Theses and Dissertations
Date of Award
8-1-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Sociology
First Advisor
William Donner
Second Advisor
Dean Kyne
Third Advisor
Arlett Lomeli
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown substantial gaps in counties' preparedness and response capacity across the United States. This study analyzes the relationship between county-level pandemic preparedness and confirmed COVID-19 cases using secondary data from the FEMA's National Household Survey (NHS) and county-level COVID-19 data from the CDC. The data show a negative relationship between preparedness levels and COVID-19 positive rates, highlighting the necessity of proactive readiness measures. Individual risk assessment, motivation for preparedness, and socioeconomic variables have a major influence on confirmed cases. Higher levels of education, income, and preparedness are associated with lower positive rates, emphasizing the importance of structural support and access to resources in promoting resilience. The study emphasizes various components of pandemic readiness and management. To obtain the best results, it is critical to combine individual-focused measures with institutional support, pay attention to demographic and socioeconomic differences, and distribute credible and balanced information to increase motivation and preparedness among populations. If these issues are adequately addressed, policymakers can devise more effective and equitable responses to future public health.
Recommended Citation
Rugeyo, Jessy, "Evolving Community Preparedness: Analysis of United States Pandemic Health Disaster Readiness" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 1616.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/1616
Comments
Copyright 2024 Jessy Rugeyo. https://proquest.com/docview/3116106067