O-07 The lived experiences and perceptions of middle-aged adults in Dominica who have survived severe storms – a qualitative exploration

Methods: This phenomenological qualitative investigation, based on an interpretivist paradigm, occurred in Dominica between June and August 2022, using semi-structured, indi vidual Zoom interviews except for one in-person interview. Middle-aged participants who previously experienced a storm in Dominica were purposefully recruited from com munities stratified according to natural hazard vulnerabil ity, using social media flyers and assisted by governmental and non-governmental disaster management and healthcare sector gatekeepers in order to achieve maximum variation. Saturation occurred at the 13th participant. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and subjected to the matic analysis using a hybrid deductive and inductive coding frame, supported by ATLAS.ti software. The research team crosschecked transcripts, coding and generation of themes.

Results: Ten females and three males, representing each of the vulnerability districts and ranging between 35–55 years participated. Three organizing themes emerged: 1.”The diverse health effects of severe storms” (persons suffered a range of physical, mental and social health outcomes); 2. “Response to and recovery from severe storms” (depends on individual, relational and community factors); and 3.”Preparation and precaution for severe storms” (is vari able and shaped by experiences). The global theme sum marises that: “The physical, mental and social health impact of severe storms on Dominicans is modulated by facilitating and barricading disaster preparedness and resilience factors.

Conclusion: The health system should implement mental health and social support systems to assist persons who experience severe storms.