A Concept Analysis of Community Resilience Regarding Disasters in the Medical and Health Fields

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to clarify the definition, and identify the constructs, of “community resilience” related to disasters in the medical and health fields.

Method: PubMed and the Web version of the Central Journal of Medicine were searched, and 33 references were randomly selected from a total of 88. Using Rogers’ concept analysis method, a qualitative analysis was conducted in terms of attributes, antecedents, and consequences of community resilience.

Result: Three categories identified under “attributes” were a community’s【ability to restabilize after a disaster】【community members’ collective actions in response to the disaster】, and【the process of stabilizing after the disaster】. Under antecedent requirements, five categories were extracted:【community stability】【residents with disaster preparedness】【existence of people’s connections】【disaster-related information sharing among residents】, and【competent leaders】. Under consequences, three categories were identified:【residents’ health】【community development】, and【improving people’s connections】.

Discussion: Community resilience therefore indicates a community’s ability to restabilize after a disaster; it also refers to the collective actions of the community members and to the process of returning to the former stable state. Further, community resilience includes post-disaster stabilization of the community using these capabilities. Therefore, when using this concept, the three attributes of capabilities, behaviors, and processes must be distinguished.