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The New Methods of Help Seeking During Disasters and Crises in Vulnerable Groups (Children, Women, Disabled People, Elderly, Blind and Deaf): A Systematic Review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 August 2025

Nasrin Joudyian ,
Siamak Soltani ,
Nilofar Sadat Lohi ,
Mahsa Shirazi  and
Ali Tahmasebi Open the ORCID record for Ali Tahmasebi [Opens in a new window]
Nasrin Joudyian
Affiliation:
Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, https://ror.org/03w04rv71 Iran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
Siamak Soltani
Affiliation:
Department of Forensic Medicine, https://ror.org/03w04rv71 Iran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
Nilofar Sadat Lohi
Affiliation:
Department of Health Services Management, School of Medical Technologies and Sciences, https://ror.org/01kzn7k21 Azad University , Tehran, Iran
Mahsa Shirazi
Affiliation:
Health Management Research Institute, https://ror.org/03w04rv71 Iran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
Ali Tahmasebi*
Affiliation:
Hospital Management Research Center, Health Management Research Institute, https://ror.org/03w04rv71 Iran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
*
Corresponding author: Ali Tahmasebi; Email: ali66tahmasebi@gmail.com
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Abstract

Objectives

To examine innovative methods of seeking assistance during disasters and crises in vulnerable groups through a systematic review approach.

Methods

This study is a systematic review. The necessary data were obtained using relevant keywords from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, Embase, ProQuest databases, and the Google Scholar search engine. The study was conducted without any time limitations and using the PRISMA protocol. The CASP tool was used for assessing the quality of the articles.

Results

Of 6002 initial articles, 11 final articles were selected and included in the study. Most of the studies were from Australia, and the most frequently examined vulnerable groups were disabled people and people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The basis for the methods and tools used in seeking assistance and managing disasters was the disaster risk reduction programs in communities, which utilized information systems, educational frameworks, communication platforms, and media tools to achieve the goals, considering specific environmental and cultural conditions.

Conclusions

Given the emergency nature of disasters, government commitment and support should be based on the allocation of special resources and the active participation of vulnerable individuals.

Keywords

childrenvulnerable groupsassistance seekingdisasters

Information

Type
Systematic Review
Information
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness , Volume 19 , 2025 , e232
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc

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