Rural-urban Differences in Individual-level Preparedness Attitudes and Behaviors for Climate-induced Disaster Events...

Rural and urban environments are exposed to the same types of climate-induced disasters, but rural populations are considered particularly vulnerable to the adverse health effects associated with these disasters. This study compares individual-level public health preparedness for climate-induced disasters in rural versus urban environments and examines the impact of rurality on variables that influence preparedness attitudes and behaviors.

A national, online survey was conducted from April to June 2024. Chi-squared tests and multiple logistic regression models with interaction terms were used to compare the preparedness attitudes and behaviors reported by rural and urban populations.

Rural and urban populations generally shared preparedness attitudes and behaviors, but several significant differences were observed. Regression analysis suggested that rurality interacted with age and income to play a significant role in modifying the odds of having an evacuation plan and reporting concern about the severity of future climate-induced disasters.

Rurality appears to influence certain attitudes and behaviors related to preparedness for climate-induced disasters. Should climate-induced behaviors become more frequent and severe in the future, dedicated efforts should be taken to ensure that these events do not exacerbate health disparities between rural and urban environments.