Rhoda Frank 
IBC Hazard Risk Assessment 

Essay from the year 2023 in the subject Medicine – Epidemiology, grade: A, , language: English, abstract: The 1918 flu pandemic, also known as the Spanish flu, was one of the most devastating global health crises in modern history. To better understand the hazard risk associated with this historical event, an Integrated Biocultural (IBC) approach was employed to assess its impact. This hazard risk assessment aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the factors that contributed to the spread and severity of the 1918 flu, including biological, cultural, and environmental dimensions. Using a multidisciplinary framework, this study integrates historical data, epidemiological records, and socio-cultural factors to analyse the various elements that shaped the hazard risk during the 1918 flu pandemic.

By examining the virus’s biological characteristics, transmission patterns, and societal responses, we gain insights into the vulnerability and resilience of communities affected by the outbreak. The findings from this hazard risk assessment shed light on the critical factors that influenced the 1918 flu’s impact, such as population density, healthcare infrastructure, and social behaviours. Understanding these dimensions can inform contemporary pandemic preparedness and response strategies, helping to mitigate future health crises. The IBC approach provides a holistic perspective on hazard risk assessment, emphasizing the interconnectedness of biological, cultural, and environmental factors in shaping the outcomes of pandemics.