General disaster preparedness beliefs and related sociodemographic characteristics: The example of Yalova University, Turkey

Aim: This study aimed to identify sociodemographic and disaster related factors associated with General Disaster Preparedness Belief using the Health Belief Model as a theoretical framework. Methods: The survey study was conducted in Yalova, Turkey between April and July, 2014. A prevalidated General Disaster Preparedness Belief scale instrument based on the Health Belief Model was administered to a study group of 286 academic and administrative staff. The General Disaster Preparedness Belief score was computed by summing up the six Health Belief Model subscales. Hierarchical linear regression was used to test for association between the General Disaster Preparedness Belief score and its associated factors. Results: The General Disaster Preparedness Belief score was positively associated with; higher monthly income, higher occupational status, having experienced any disaster previously and having any emergency/disaster education. Respondents who had any emergency/disaster education had on average an 19.05 higher General Disaster Preparedness Belief score as compared to respondents who had no emergency/disaster education (β=19.05±4.83, p<0.001). Furthermore, participants who had experienced any disaster had on average 21.615 higher GDPB score as compared to participants who had never experienced any disaster (β =21.62±0.32, p<0.001). Conclusions: Monthly income, occupational status, previous experiences of disasters and access to emergency/disaster education were important factors associated with General Disaster Preparedness Belief. Interventions aimed at increasing general disaster preparedness should include provision of disaster education and should target individuals with lower socioeconomic status as a priority