Knowledge among adolescents regarding disaster preparedness, with a view to develop information booklet

ABSTRACT

Background: Growing frequency and higher intensity of the various types of a natural disaster such as landslides, earthquakes, flood, cloudburst, forest fire, and lightning have been recognized to cause major losses of human life, property, resources, and environment in India. Disaster situation cannot be prevented, but the losses due to disaster can be minimized with adequate preparedness. Adolescents can share learning to their friends, families, and communities so that it is essential to meet their educational need to optimize the quality of life. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the level of knowledge regarding disaster preparedness and develop information booklet. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey method with quantitative approach was undertaken for the study. A total of 200 school-going adolescents were conveniently recruited from selected schools. Results: The statistical finding shows that the overall mean awareness score of the study participants was 11.29 ± 3.26. Percentage distribution of knowledge level shows that majority (73.5%) of adolescents had moderately adequate knowledge and 23.5% of them had inadequate knowledge, whereas only 3% of adolescents had adequate knowledge on disaster preparedness. Conclusion: Findings of the study conclude that the knowledge of adolescents regarding disaster preparedness was moderately adequate. Therefore, the study brought a need for further teaching of the adolescents regarding disaster preparedness.