USE OF A MODIFIED CLUSTER SAMPLING METHOD TO PERFORM RAPID NEEDS ASSESSMENT AFTER HURRICANE-ANDREW

Study objective: To rapidly obtain population-based estimates of needs in the early aftermath of Hurricane Andrew in South Florida. Methods: We used a modified cluster-sampling method (the Expanded Programme on Immunization [EPI] method) for three surveys. We selected a systemati c sample of 30 quarter-mile square clusters for each survey and, begin ning from a random start, interviewed members of seven consecutive occ upied households in each cluster. Two surveys were of the most affecte d area (1990 population, 32,672) at three and ten days after the hurri cane struck; one survey was of a less affected area (1990 population, 15,576) seven days after the hurricane struck. Measurements and main r esults: Results were available within 24 hours of beginning each surve y. Initial findings emphasized the need for restoring utilities and sa nitation and helped to focus medical relief on primary care and preven tive services. The second survey of the most affected area showed impr ovement in the availability of food, water, electricity, and sanitatio n (P less-than-or-equal-to .05). There was no evidence of disease outb reaks. Conclusion: For the first time, the EPI method provided populat ion-based information to guide and evaluate relief operations after a sudden-impact natural disaster. An improvement over previous approache s, the EPI method warrants further evaluation as a needs assessment to ol in acute disasters.