Abstract
Objective: Differences were assessed in disaster preparedness levels of college students at a large Midwest university based on knowledge, risk perception, beliefs, prior enrollment in a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) or first aid class, and self-efficacy was assessed. Methods: College students between the ages of 18 and 24 years old were recruited from a general education class and from students who walked by a high-traffic area in the student union to complete a 27-item survey. A disaster preparedness score was calculated based on items each participant indicated he or she currently possessed at home. Participant responses were also dichotomized into knowledge (advanced vs. basic) risk perception (high vs. low), belief (strong vs. weak), CERT or first aid enrollment (yes vs. no), and self-efficacy (high vs. low) groups based on how the participant answered specific items on the survey. An independent samplest test was used to analyze the differences in disaster preparedness levels between each dichotomized group. Results: There was no significant difference (p=0.789) found between the strong beliefs (M=7.97, SD=3.478) and the weak beliefs group (M=7.88, SD=3.099), t(384) = -4.978. Conclusions: Based on the findings of this study, health education programs that focus on improving knowledge, self-efficacy in preparing for a disaster, and risk perception of experiencing a disaster will increase the disaster preparedness levels of college students. Universities partnering with community emergency management agencies and offering CERT or first aid classes to college students can increase the disaster preparedness levels of college students and potentially improve response and recovery after a disaster.
Highlights
Disaster preparedness is a national public health concern
A 27-item survey was distributed to college students between the ages of 18-24 years at a large Midwest university to determine differences in disaster preparedness levels based on their knowledge, risk perceptions, beliefs, prior enrollment in a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) or first aid class, and self-efficacy
Understanding how prepared college students are for disasters and what factors may increase disaster preparedness among college students is key to improving disaster preparedness behaviors.Increasing disaster preparedness knowledge of college students will likely increase disaster preparedness behaviors
Summary
Disaster preparedness is a national public health concern. The risk of individuals and communities being affectedJ Pub Health Issue Pract Volume 2. 2018. 115JPHIP, an open access journal by a natural disaster has increased, and this trend is expected to continue [1]. Disaster preparedness is a national public health concern. The risk of individuals and communities being affected. J Pub Health Issue Pract Volume 2. College students are not typically considered to be an at-risk population; many students may not practice disaster preparedness behaviors. College students usually live in short-term housing or residence halls, have limited storage space, and may depend on dining halls for food and water, which may make them more vulnerable in disaster situations [2]. Either residing on or off campus, may not be familiar with community emergency action plans, know where to seek help in case of emergency, or have the ability to evacuate [2]. College students could play a primary role in responding to and recovering from a major disaster if they have sufficiently prepared for a disaster
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