Research on the awareness of disaster prevention and the ability of self-rescue and mutual aid among children in Mianyang Area / 中国小儿急救医学

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the current situation of children′s awareness of disaster prevention and self-rescue ability in Mianyang area, provide reference for the development of scientific training programs on children′s disaster knowledge, and improve children′s survival ability during the disaster occurence.Methods:Through literature review and expert consultation, the questionnaire was designed by ourselves.Multi-stage sampling method was used to investigate 2 162 cases from county (city) high school, junior high school and primary school in Mianyang area.Results:8.3% of children had weak disaster awareness.Children had a good understanding of disaster related knowledge, with the highest alarm call awareness rate of 91.8%, fire, flood, earthquake escape and earthquake warning score of 86.5%, 84.2%, 84.2%, 83.0%.Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and fire hydrant operation awareness rate was very low (58.8%, 57.4%). Even some children still chose improper escape behavior.The scores of early warning knowledge and first aid skill were correlated with gender and age.In knowledge of disaster precursors, using of fire extinguishers and hydrants, and first aid skills, the scores of boys were significantly higher than those of girls ( P<0.001). Except for fire-related knowledge, gas leakage escape and shelter awareness rate, the older the children were, the higher the scores were ( P<0.05). The scores of early warning, escape knowledge and first aid skills were correlated with the location of home, and the differences were significant ( P>0.001). More than 80.0% of children chose flashlights, food and water, and emergency kits, while 65.0% to 75.0% children thought it was not necessary to prepare a radio, telephone directory, and cash. Conclusion:Children′s awareness of disaster reduction and self-rescue ability are generally good, but there are still insufficient first-aid skills and improper choice of escape behavior.The education of disaster awareness and self-rescue ability should be strengthened in children′s basic education so as to reduce the casualties of children caused by disasters.