Date of Conferral

8-1-2026

Date of Award

August 2026

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Health Sciences

Advisor

Berthline Isma

Abstract

Emerging infectious diseases continue to challenge national health systems, particularly in small island developing states with limited preparedness resources. Limited evidence comparing the International Health Regulations (2005) State Party Self-Assessment Annual Reporting (IHR SPAR) capacities of small island developing states with those of high-income countries limits efforts to identify preparedness gaps and strengthen health systems. The purpose of this quantitative comparative study was to evaluate Saint Lucia's preparedness using IHR SPAR indicators, compare its preparedness with the United States, and assess changes between 2023 and 2024. Guided by the World Health Organization Health System Framework, a quantitative cross-sectional design using secondary WHO SPAR data was employed. The sample included 13 SPAR capacity domains (n = 13) for Saint Lucia (2023 and 2024) and the United States (2023). Descriptive statistics, paired-samples t tests, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were conducted. Results indicated a statistically significant difference in preparedness between Saint Lucia and the United States across the eight comparable SPAR capacity domains, t(7) = -3.64, p = .008, d = 1.29. The comparison of Saint Lucia's 2023 and 2024 preparedness scores was not statistically significant, t(12) = 1.42, p = .18. The findings may inform evidence-based preparedness planning and resource allocation and promote positive social change by strengthening health system resilience in small island developing states.

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