Association Between Exposure to Hurricane Irma and Mortality and Hospitalization in Florida Nursing Home Residents

Key Points Question Was exposure to Hurricane Irma associated with an increased risk of hospitalization and mortality among nursing home residents in the 30 and 90 days after the storm compared with a control group? Findings In this cohort study of 61 564 nursing home residents exposed to Hurricane Irma and a control group of 61 813 nonexposed residents, the odds of a first hospitalization and mortality increased significantly at 30 and 90 days for those exposed. A long nursing home stay was associated with a greater risk for mortality compared with a short stay. Meaning Findings suggest that prioritizing heightened emergency preparedness in disaster situations for nursing home residents is warranted.

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