Presenter Classification
Faculty
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Publication Date
4-22-2026
Start Date
22-4-2026 11:05 AM
End Date
22-4-2026 11:25 AM
Keywords
pandemics, history, nursing
Abstract Type
Research
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this project is to critically evaluate prior pandemics and assess the social responses to each. The following pandemics are included: HIV/AIDS, the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic, tuberculosis, and COVID-19.
Aims: The specific aim of this project is to examine the recurring social and structural themes across major pandemics and identify nursing responses and care provided.
Methods: A historical research methodology was used to examine documents related to prior pandemics. Content analysis was used to identify themes. Themes were grouped together to identify a broad theme to capture the results found in this research.
Results: Historical analysis reveals consistent patterns of stigma, moralization of illness, medical mistrust, xenophobia, and resistance to public health interventions. During the HIV/AIDS pandemic, marginalized communities faced significant discrimination and delayed policy responses. Similarly, the 1918 influenza pandemic and tuberculosis outbreaks were marked by social fear, misinformation, and inequitable healthcare access. These themes re-emerged during COVID-19, where political polarization, distrust in scientific authority, and vaccine hesitancy influenced public compliance and health outcomes.
Conclusions: Much public health work is needed to address concerns presented during pandemics both historically and more recently. Nurses are in a key position to positively impact health outcomes related to pandemics. Public health education is critical to ensuring people understand the risks of disease transmission and how to prevent spread.
A Historical Analysis of Prior Pandemics and Societal Responses
Purpose: The purpose of this project is to critically evaluate prior pandemics and assess the social responses to each. The following pandemics are included: HIV/AIDS, the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic, tuberculosis, and COVID-19.
Aims: The specific aim of this project is to examine the recurring social and structural themes across major pandemics and identify nursing responses and care provided.
Methods: A historical research methodology was used to examine documents related to prior pandemics. Content analysis was used to identify themes. Themes were grouped together to identify a broad theme to capture the results found in this research.
Results: Historical analysis reveals consistent patterns of stigma, moralization of illness, medical mistrust, xenophobia, and resistance to public health interventions. During the HIV/AIDS pandemic, marginalized communities faced significant discrimination and delayed policy responses. Similarly, the 1918 influenza pandemic and tuberculosis outbreaks were marked by social fear, misinformation, and inequitable healthcare access. These themes re-emerged during COVID-19, where political polarization, distrust in scientific authority, and vaccine hesitancy influenced public compliance and health outcomes.
Conclusions: Much public health work is needed to address concerns presented during pandemics both historically and more recently. Nurses are in a key position to positively impact health outcomes related to pandemics. Public health education is critical to ensuring people understand the risks of disease transmission and how to prevent spread.
