Influencing Health Equity Throughout the Emergency Management Cycle: A Scoping Review

Abstract

This thesis sought to gain a better global understanding of how public health can influence health equity throughout the emergency management cycle that includes prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery through a scoping review. Seven articles met inclusion criteria, all focused on prevention, which aligns well with public health practices. Interventions such as accommodations for functional needs such as low vision, reduced hearing, limited proficiency in the language which services are provided, or use of assistive devices for mobility and providing training and education to priority populations may influence health equity; however, the evidence is limited, and further research is needed. Due to the intricate challenges that emergencies present and the many factors influencing health equity, there is a need to unravel complexities to guide comprehensive research and intervention design.