UC Irvine

Background

Some disasters, such as earthquake and flood make the majority of affected people homeless. The accommodation of these people in temporary shelters and camps requires some specific ethical issues. The aim of the present study was to discuss ethical issues regarding living in camps following natural disasters.

Methods

This study is conducted utilizinga qualitative content analysis approach. The required data were collected from four Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Subsequently, 11 in-depth interviews were completed using the individuals who had the experience of receiving care following natural disasters and continued until data saturation. Data were analyzed using Graham content analysis method.

Results

According to the results obtained from affected people's views, the most important ethical issues that are not considered important in temporary shelters and camps include:1) the violation of privacy,2) the shortage of basic needs (e.g., food, water, and sanitation) and type and quality of services rendered,3) lack of attention to cultural and religious views of the affected people, 4) cause of evacuation, 5)lack of co-operation among disaster managers, 6)respecting the properties of the affected people, 7)conditions and geographic location of camps, 8)property care, and 9)community-based care.

Conclusion

Without paying attention to ethical issues, living in temporary shelters (i.e., camps) violates the dignity of affected people and then the affected people will not have appropriate cooperation with the managers. All these issues expose them to more harm than before.