Disaster literacy levels of individuals aged 18–60 years and factors affecting these levels: A web-based cross-sectional study

• Published in: International journal of disaster risk reduction 2022-06, Vol.76, p.102991, Article 102991
• Main Authors: Genc, Fatma Zehra, Yildiz, Suzan, Kaya, Emine, Bilgili, Naile
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Disaster; Disaster literacy; Disaster management
• ISSN: 2212-4209; 2212-4209
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2022.102991

Turkey is a high-risk country in terms of disasters. The knowledge and attitudes of citizens are important in reducing the impact of disasters. This study aims to determine the disaster literacy levels of individuals aged 18–60 years and factors affecting these levels. A total of 2134 individuals participated in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected using the disaster literacy scale via Google Forms. Kolmogorov Smirnov, Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal Wallis, Spearman correlation, and linear regression tests were used for data analysis. The average disaster literacy score of participants was 35.00; 28.4% received an insufficient score, 24.3% a mediocre score, 24.5% a sufficient score, and 22.8% an excellent score. In the regression model created on disaster management, contrarily, the score differed depending on varied factors, such as residing in the Southeastern Anatolia region, having received disaster training, following disaster-related news, having a survival kit, and having earthquake insurance. Over 50% of the participants were found to have insufficient/mediocre levels of disaster literacy. It is concluded that the number of initiatives should increase to enhance awareness and readiness for disaster reduction and management. •The knowledge and attitudes of citizens are important in reducing the impact of disasters.•Over 50% of the Turk population were found to have insufficient/mediocre levels of disaster literacy.•Disaster literacy score differed age, by region, having received disaster training, following disaster-related news, having a survival kit, and having earthquake insurance.•It is recommended that the number of initiatives to increase the awareness and readiness for reduction and management of disaster damage should be increased.