Determination of factors affecting the response efficacy of Filipinos under Typhoon Conson 2021 (Jolina): An extended protection motivation theory approach

Abstract

The response efficacy measures can be utilized to assess a person's beliefs as to whether the recommended action step will actually minimize the impact of a natural disaster such as a typhoon. This study examines the response efficacy of Filipinos under Typhoon Conson 2021 (Jolina) using the Extended Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) approach. To accurately measure the factors and their relationships to response efficacy, an online questionnaire was developed and distributed using a convenience sampling method to 388 Filipinos a few days before the typhoon hit the Philippines. Several latent variables in PMT such as understanding of typhoon, perceived severity, response cost, self-efficacy, and response efficacy together with some additional latent variables such as typhoon experience, geographical perspective, and perceived susceptibility were analyzed simultaneously. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) showed that perceived severity of the typhoon and self-efficacy were the key factors affecting the response efficacy of Filipinos in preparing for typhoon Jolina. Moreover, it was also found that understanding typhoons, self-efficacy, perceived susceptibility, and past typhoon experience indirectly affected response efficacy. The results of this study could be utilized by future researchers and planners of natural disasters to find ways of enhancing the response efficacy in preparing for typhoons. Finally, the findings of this study can also be utilized as a theoretical framework for government worldwide in designing and implementing strategies and policies for natural disaster risk protection.