Disaster Awareness Perception Levels of 60+Freshening University Students

Abstract

This study aims to determine the levels of disaster awareness perception among a cohort of 60+ Refreshment University students at Akdeniz University. This study further examines these levels in relation to various sociodemographic factors. The sample of the study consisted of 265 people enrolled at 60+ Refreshment University (subsequent to 6 February 2023 earthquakes) within the body of Akdeniz University in Turkey between 15.05 and 15.06.2023. The Disaster Awareness Perception Scale was used to collect the data. The research data analyses were conducted utilizing descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, and ANOVA test within the SPSS.23 statistical package program. The findings indicated that the disaster awareness perception levels of the participants were generally “high” and their post-disaster awareness levels were “moderate”. Statistically significant differences were found between the variables of gender, marital status, educational status disaster education, and the disaster awareness perception levels of the participants. While pre-disaster awareness and false disaster awareness levels were higher in those who did not receive disaster education; Post-disaster awareness levels were higher in those receiving disaster education. As a result, it is important to increase disaster training and provide it more widely and comprehensively, tailoring them to distinct need of varying age groups, professional strata, and socio-economic levels. In order to minimize the effects of disasters and make preparations based on accurate information, it may be suggested that more emphasis should be placed on pre-disaster awareness and false disaster awareness in disaster training.

Keywords

• pre-disaster awareness
• false perception of disaster awareness
• post-disaster awareness
• disaster education and management
• older adults population