Community-based intervention study on knowledge and training needs of disaster medicine among local residents in a disaster-prone coastal area of Southern India

ABSTRACT

Background: A state of preparedness to a natural calamity can considerably mitigate loss of life and property and the human suffering and restore normalcy at the earliest. This study aimed at evaluation of knowledge levels on disaster management among community residents in Puducherry.Methods: Community based intervention study involving 150 community residents from a disaster affected coastal area was carried out employing convenient sampling. One-to-one interview was conducted using a structured questionnaire. Intervention through posters, lectures and disaster management mock drills was done. Evaluation was made using the same questionnaire following the intervention. The pre- and post-test evaluation were compared and analysed.Results: The study showed lower levels of knowledge regarding disaster management. Following the intervention there was a significant rise in the knowledge levels (p<0.005).Conclusions: This study may be useful for planning future training needs and IEC strategies for the community regarding disaster management.