Communicating with diverse populations before, during and after Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) events: systematic literature review.
- 1Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, Weston Education Centre, Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RJ, UK.
- 2Department of War Studies, King's College London, Strand, London, WC2R 2LS, UK.
- 3Department of War Studies, King's College London, Strand, London, WC2R 2LS, UK. [email protected].
Abstract
Background
Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) events can have substantial impacts on affected individuals and communities. Effective communication is an essential component of preparedness and response in the context of CBRN events. While there is a wealth of literature on communicating effectively with the general public during such events, less is known about the communication needs of diverse populations who may be disproportionately affected during CBRN incidents. This review aimed to examine the available evidence regarding the need for and impacts of tailored communication strategies for diverse populations across the preparedness, response, and recovery phases of a CBRN event.Methods
In this PRISMA-based systematic review, we searched eight electronic databases for literature on the communication needs of diverse populations during CBRN events and hand-searched the reference lists of included studies and of relevant websites. Data were extracted and synthesised using thematic analysis.Results
Database searches yielded 5,354 citations and 34 were included in the review. Studies considering pre-incident communication needs of diverse populations suggest that knowledge of and preparedness for CBRN events is low across the groups studied. Most studies focused on communication/information needs of diverse populations during CBRN incidents. Within this response space we identified: different drivers for protective behaviours during a CBRN event; three main information needs (basic information about the incident, CBRN health risk information, and protection information); and three key needs relating to the method of communication (trusted sources, different modes and mediums of communication, and inclusive/accessible communication) during CBRN events. We also identified challenges faced by at-risk groups during mass casualty management, which underscored the need for tailored communication. Ten studies considered post-incident needs, with data indicating the importance of ongoing support and information, information on potential mental health effects, and communication relating to ongoing monitoring and research.Conclusion
This review highlighted important commonalities in information needs underscoring that transparent, consistent, factually correct information from trusted sources about health risks and protective behaviours is required for everyone irrespective of background. However, it also revealed important differences in health beliefs and concerns; risk perceptions; and trusted information sources, necessitating tailoring context-sensitive messages for diverse populations. Incorporating these considerations into preparedness and response planning for CBRN events is crucial for improving public understanding and facilitating appropriate response behaviours.
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BibTeX
@article{brooks2026communicating,
title = {{Communicating with diverse populations before, during and after Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) events: systematic literature review.}},
author = {Samantha K Brooks and M Brooke Rogers and Julia M Pearce},
journal = {BMC public health},
year = {2026},
month = aug,
doi = {10.1186/s12889-026-28680-8},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42958148},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Communicating with diverse populations before, during and after Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) events: systematic literature review.
AU - Samantha K Brooks
AU - M Brooke Rogers
AU - Julia M Pearce
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/08/04
JO - BMC public health
DO - 10.1186/s12889-026-28680-8
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42958148
AB - Background Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) events can have substantial impacts on affected individuals and communities. Effective communication is an essential component of preparedness and response in the context of CBRN events. While there is a wealth of literature on communicating effectively with the general public during such events, less is known about the communication needs of diverse populations who may be disproportionately affected during CBRN incidents. This review aimed to examine the available evidence regarding the need for and impacts of tailored communication strategies for diverse populations across the preparedness, response, and recovery phases of a CBRN event.Methods In this PRISMA-based systematic review, we searched eight electronic databases for literature on the communication needs of diverse populations during CBRN events and hand-searched the reference lists of included studies and of relevant websites. Data were extracted and synthesised using thematic analysis.Results Database searches yielded 5,354 citations and 34 were included in the review. Studies considering pre-incident communication needs of diverse populations suggest that knowledge of and preparedness for CBRN events is low across the groups studied. Most studies focused on communication/information needs of diverse populations during CBRN incidents. Within this response space we identified: different drivers for protective behaviours during a CBRN event; three main information needs (basic information about the incident, CBRN health risk information, and protection information); and three key needs relating to the method of communication (trusted sources, different modes and mediums of communication, and inclusive/accessible communication) during CBRN events. We also identified challenges faced by at-risk groups during mass casualty management, which underscored the need for tailored communication. Ten studies considered post-incident needs, with data indicating the importance of ongoing support and information, information on potential mental health effects, and communication relating to ongoing monitoring and research.Conclusion This review highlighted important commonalities in information needs underscoring that transparent, consistent, factually correct information from trusted sources about health risks and protective behaviours is required for everyone irrespective of background. However, it also revealed important differences in health beliefs and concerns; risk perceptions; and trusted information sources, necessitating tailoring context-sensitive messages for diverse populations. Incorporating these considerations into preparedness and response planning for CBRN events is crucial for improving public understanding and facilitating appropriate response behaviours.
SN - 1471-2458
ER -