The relationship between disaster literacy levels and disaster preparedness among adults

Abstract

Abstract The resilience of communities to disasters is an indicator of their preparedness for such events. It is crucial for prepared communities to integrate their disaster literacy—skills in understanding, perceiving, and evaluating disasters—into disaster preparedness actions. This study aims to determine the disaster literacy and disaster preparedness levels of adults and the factors influencing these levels. This correlational and cross-sectional study included 3861 participants. Data were collected online from August 2023 to December 2023 using the Descriptive Characteristics Form, the Disaster Literacy Scale, and the Disaster Preparedness Scale. Data analysis employed frequency analysis, skewness and kurtosis, the Independent Samples t-Test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation analysis. The Pearson correlation analysis revealed a moderate positive and significant relationship between disaster literacy and disaster preparedness (r = 0.40, p < 0.001). Individuals with disaster experience had higher disaster literacy (Reduction, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery) and disaster preparedness scores compared to those without disaster experience (p < 0.05). However, lower education levels, decreased income, and increased average age were associated with reduced disaster literacy and disaster preparedness levels. In line with the findings of this study, it is recommended that the level of education be increased, income levels improved, and the disaster preparedness capacity of society strengthened by considering age-related factors to increase disaster literacy and enhance disaster preparedness levels. This study is expected to make significant contributions to understanding the levels of disaster literacy and disaster preparedness in Turkey, a country prone to earthquakes and recently affected by one of the deadliest disasters, and to identify the factors influencing these levels and the relationship between disaster literacy and disaster preparedness.