218 Social-ecological approach To Outline Risks to Medication adherence during Disasters (STORM MEDs): Preliminary Results

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Limited access to medication and poor medication adherence exacerbate chronic diseases following disasters. Experts recommend individuals in disaster-prone areas be prepared to manage their chronic diseases in the event of resource disruption. This study’s goal is to identify factors underlying personal medical preparedness. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: A cross-sectional survey of 120 insured adults age ≥50 in Southeast Louisiana with hypertension and ≥1 daily medication during the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season is underway. The survey includes the Household Emergency Preparedness Index Access and Functional Needs Section (HEPI AFN), a validated measure of medical preparedness that accounts for special circumstances including refrigerated medication and electricity-dependent medical equipment. The mean score of the 9-item tool ranges from 0 to 1, with higher scores indicating more preparedness. The survey also includes 3 open-ended questions where participants can explain difficulties with medication adherence during hurricanes in their own voice. Data collection is ongoing. This interim analysis provides descriptive statistics. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: An interim analysis of the first 50 respondents included 46% women, 52% Black, mean age 61.2 (SD=7.3) years, and mean 52.5 (SD=16.2) years living in a hurricane-impacted area. Participants had a median of 1 comorbid condition; 72% reported taking >5 daily medications. Most respondents (94%) stated their household was at least “somewhat prepared” to handle a disaster and reported medical preparedness on an average of 82% of HEPI-AFN items (mean score = 0.82, SD=0.18); 90% reported that they had never had a healthcare worker talk to them about personal medical preparedness. On open response questions, participants cited insurance restrictions as the primary barrier to having extra medication on hand. In the final sample, regression models will be used to examine factors associated with increased preparedness. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: While most participants in this insured, disaster-experienced preliminary sample are medically prepared, few have discussed preparedness with a healthcare provider. Identifying socio-demographic factors associated with preparedness will help to strengthen mitigation strategies addressing widening of health disparities during disasters.