Noynaert, J M and Potangaroa, R (2018) Psychometric evaluation of disaster impact. International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, 9(3), pp. 230-238. ISSN 1759-5916
Abstract
Purpose: This paper aims to examine accurate cross-sector assessment of true relative need in affected populations and the net human impact of disaster response programmes. Design/methodology/approach: A psychometric assessment method using the DASS-42 is presented, and its practicality and value are shown through field studies in Afghanistan and Vanuatu. Findings: Psychometric quality of life assessments are robust, rapidly deployable, culturally and sector-agnostic, and imminently useful for targeting disaster aid and measuring programme effectiveness. Research limitations/implications: This research provides a baseline for further investigation into identifying which aid interventions are necessary without using technical assessments. Practical implications: The demonstrated method is more effective in many situations than traditional technical assessments or assumption of which demographic factors place groups at risk. Originality/value: The identified approach builds on previous work by combining psychometric indications of disaster effect with specific areas of need self-identified by the assessed communities. Its effectiveness for enabling humanitarian action at both large and small scales is also proven.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | damage assessment; developing country; disaster response; humanitarian assistance; resilience; vulnerability |
| Index terms: | population, methodology, vulnerability, developing country, field study, quality of life, programme, demographic factor, investigation, small scale, effectiveness, damage assessment, Afghanistan, humanitarian, disaster response, Vanuatu, human impact |
| Subjects: | data collection methods, environmental impact, principle, performance management, public and environmental health, research methods, structural engineering, development economics, Geography, production management, emergency and crisis management, project controls, demography, environmental hazards |
| Topics: | Ethics, Quality Management, International Construction, Urban Studies, Time Control, Project Management, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Health and Safety, Sustainability |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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