Application of Public Health Risk Assessment Methodology for Typhoon Disaster in China

Objective We conducted a public health risk assessment program for the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region for typhoon disaster, to provide scientific evidence for public health emergency response and preparedness. Methods The public health risk assessment model for natural disaster is established through literature reviews, brainstorming, Delphi’s expert consultation and evaluation, based on theories of management, sociology and epidemiology. Basic data related to natural disasters and public health were extensively collected before the risk assessment. 34 public health experts from different professional fields identify the risk factors based on the basic data, conduct risk analysis according to the scoring criterion, calculate the risk values of risk factors according to the evaluation model, and then conduct the risk evaluation. Results 20 major public health risks which could seriously affect the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region for typhoon disaster, were identified and assessed. The results of risk analysis showed that trauma, typhoid or paratyphoid, cholera, infectious diarrhea and hepatitis A were the top five high risk factors. Conclusion This study is the first time to apply the risk assessment theory for public health emergency preparedness before the natural disaster. Try to establish assessment index system, and then calculate risk value by semi-quantitative assessment method. This study provides a technical support for early warning surveillance and dynamic risk assessment of public health events. It will eventually improve capacity of public health emergency preparedness and response on natural disaster