Demographic Determinants of Disaster Preparedness Behaviors Amongst Tehran Inhabitants, Iran

Abstract

Background: Tehran is vulnerable to natural hazards, especially earthquakes. Disaster preparedness behaviors (DPB) are measures that can mitigate the adverse consequences of disasters. Demographic factors affect DPB, however, the role of some of these factors is not still clear. By understanding these effects, disaster specialists could design interventions toward specific demographics. In the present study, we aimed to investigate demographic determinants of DPB.Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in August 2014. The target population included inhabitants of Tehran who were 18 years or older. A total of 1250 participants were selected randomly and interviewed using a standardized questionnaire.Results: Results of our study showed that monthly income level, previous disaster experience, residential district and occupation are demographic factors that influence DPB significantly. However, disaster preparedness was not affected by gender, educational level, number of household members, home type, home ownership and being the head of household.Conclusion: To promote DPB in Tehran, disaster specialists should focus on improving DPB in low-income and unemployed people, and individuals who live in high risk districts, especially in those who have not experienced disasters.Key words: Disaster, Preparedness behavior, Demographic determinants.

Community Empowerment and the Associated Factors among the 2014 Flood Victims in Pahang

“…[23] Najafi et al, 2015, noted higher and medium income people have higher empowerment. [25] Nevertheless no significant association was seen between income and empowerment in this study.…”

“…When discussing about gender issues, the men in this study were more motivated, and participated more towards community empowerment during disasters and natural calamities as shown in another study by Najafi et al, (2015). Women in general showed less.…”

“…[24] Other studies however, showed age is unrelated to empowerment and it depends on individual response. [25] Nevertheless, we believe that education can promote empowerment. Education in general enhances the cognition, learning and coping skills of the individual and increases access to information.…”

“…This may be due to their previous experiences with flood that had contributed towards an increase in their community empowerment. [25] The Community Flood Management Committees established at the flood prone regions in South Asia have taken measures such as well-defined institutional structures and pre, during and post flood roles and responsibilities. This mostly attracted rural community participation.…”

The Development of a General Disaster Preparedness Belief Scale Using the Health Belief Model as a Theoretical Framework

“…Also, effective preparedness reduces vulnerability, increases mitigation level, enables timely and effective response to a disaster event, shortens the recovery period from a disaster, and increases community resilience (Guha-Sapir, Hoyois & Below, 2013;Gregory et al, 2006). According to previous studies, the determinant of disaster preparedness behaviours include: risk perception (Armaş & Avram, 2008), preparedness perception (Mulilis & Duval, 1995), self-efficacy (McClure, Walkey & Allen, 1999), community participation (Paton, 2006) available resources and demographics (Mileti, Darlington, 1995;Najafi, Ardalan, Akbarisari, Noorbala & Jabbari, 2015).…”