Ethical considerations for living in temporary shelters (camps) following natural disaster

Background: Some disasters, such as earthquake and flood make the majority of affected people homeless. Theaccommodation of these people in temporary shelters and camps requires some specific ethical issues. The aim of thepresent 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 collectedfrom four Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Subsequently, 11 in-depth interviews were completed using the individualswho had the experience of receiving care following natural disasters and continued until data saturation. Data wereanalyzed using Graham content analysis method.Results: According to the results obtained from affected people’s views, the most important ethical issues that are notconsidered 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 religiousviews of the affected people, 4) cause of evacuation, 5)lack of co-operation among disaster managers, 6)respecting theproperties of the affected people, 7)conditions and geographic location of camps, 8)property care, and 9)communitybasedcare.Conclusion: Without paying attention to ethical issues, living in temporary shelters (i.e., camps) violates the dignity ofaffected people and then the affected people will not have appropriate cooperation with the managers. All these issuesexpose them to more harm than before.Level of evidence: VI