Engaging communities in the planning process: Conducting formative research for a web-based food distribution platform in a post-disaster setting

Elizabeth A. Dunn; Kayleigh Murray; Maria Paula Ibarcena Woll; Leomar White; Hannah Harburg; Rashida Jones; Kaiqi Xiong; Ran Tao

doi:10.5055/jem.0879

Authors

Elizabeth A. Dunn, MPH, CPH https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3638-0821
Kayleigh Murray, BSPH https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8802-8716
Maria Paula Ibarcena Woll, BSPH https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2383-5076
Leomar White, BSPH https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8320-5414
Hannah Harburg, BSPH https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4760-8512
Rashida Jones, PharmD https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2057-0815
Kaiqi Xiong, MS, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2933-8083
Ran Tao, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4618-1893

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.0879

Keywords:

disaster planning, web-based platform, food system, hurricanes, design thinking, emergency management

Abstract

As natural hazards amplify the persistence of food insecurity, the demand for evidence-informed interventions that increase resilience is needed. Developing a decentralized web-based platform to mobilize healthy food options in disaster-affected neighborhoods, designed to use real-time crowdsourced information, can help identify vulnerable populations and prioritize areas in need. A survey was administered using constructs from the Health Belief Model and Technology Accessibility Model, engaging Hillsborough County residents in the design thinking process to gauge community acceptance of a technology-based intervention during a large-scale disaster. Identifying barriers, wants, and needs of various population segments allows for more inclusive strategies for developing emergency management interventions. Results from the community survey validated the high likelihood of technology acceptance during disasters, with 90.9 percent of the respondents indicating that they would likely use a web-based food delivery service during disasters. Respondents had high levels of perceived self-efficacy and perceived ease of use with moderate levels of perceived usefulness and perceived threats. A majority of respondents (81.4 percent) agree that technology helps connect them to their community, with 83.6 percent agreeing that the internet would be useful for helping their community and 70.2 percent indicating they would feel comfortable ordering groceries online during a disaster. Whereas Hispanic survey respondents had higher levels of perceived threats; however, due to their perceived barriers were less likely to use the platform. By incorporating evidence-informed disaster management practices in the planning process, local governmental and nongovernmental organizations can develop more comprehensive plans and interventions to help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

Author Biographies

Elizabeth A. Dunn, MPH, CPH

Instructor I, Samuel P. Bell, III College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida

Kayleigh Murray, BSPH

Graduate Researcher, Samuel P. Bell, III College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida

Maria Paula Ibarcena Woll, BSPH

Graduate Researcher, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia

Leomar White, BSPH

Graduate Researcher, Samuel P. Bell, III College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida

Hannah Harburg, BSPH

Graduate Researcher, Samuel P. Bell, III College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida

Rashida Jones, PharmD

Doctoral Student, Samuel P. Bell, III College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida

Kaiqi Xiong, MS, PhD

Professor, Department of Mathematics & Statistics, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida

Ran Tao, PhD

Assistant Professor, Department of Geosciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida

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