Drowning in Disease: Understanding Health Risks in a Changing Climate

Drowning in Disease: Understanding Health Risks in a Changing Climate: An Exploratory Data Analysis into the Relationship Between Flood Disasters, Healthcare Systems and Communicable Diseases

van Dorst, Carlijn (TU Delft Technology, Policy and Management)

Comes, M. (mentor)
Hinrichs-Krapels, S. (graduation committee)
Magana, J.M. (graduation committee)

Delft University of Technology

Complex Systems Engineering and Management (CoSEM)

2024-06-24

Amidst ongoing climate change, communities worldwide face increasing frequency and severity of floods, which cause extensive destruction and pose significant health threats. Post-flood effects include drowning, injuries, and both communicable and non-communicable diseases, varying by context. This study addresses a critical knowledge gap by exploring the complex relationship between flood disasters, healthcare systems, and communicable diseases. It aims to understand how socio-economic, institutional, and geographical factors interact with health outcomes following floods.

The study highlights vulnerabilities in countries like Peru, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, where past floods have significantly impacted communicable disease incidence. It evaluates healthcare system resilience by analyzing vulnerability and resilience factors that determine a country’s capacity to manage health impacts from floods. Vulnerability is influenced by socio-economic conditions, public health factors, and behaviors, while resilience is shaped by healthcare system quality, institutional effectiveness, and individual capacities.

Quantitative methods, including exploratory data analysis and causal-comparative design, form the core of this study. Natural flood events are used to investigate cause-and-effect relationships, supported by a conceptual framework developed through desk studies and concept mapping. Systematic data collection and analysis explore the relationship between flood events, healthcare systems, and communicable diseases. Principal component analysis identifies key indicators linking health characteristics with increased communicable disease incidences post-flood.

Synthesizing insights from data analysis, the study proposes an empirically validated framework to guide effective disaster response strategies. Understanding flood impacts and enhancing community resilience are crucial for developing targeted mitigation measures. By identifying vulnerabilities and resilience factors in healthcare and emphasizing individual empowerment, this research contributes to holistic disaster preparedness and response approaches.

Flood disasters
Healthcare systems
Communicable Diseases
Resilience
Exploratory Data Analysis
Principal Component Analysis

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:299f22a7-0b34-41df-8acf-7f2fc152550e

Student theses

master thesis

© 2024 Carlijn van Dorst