University Students' Disaster Preparedness: A Focus Group Study

The purpose of this study was to explore university student perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors with respect to disaster preparedness, with specific regard for natural hazards (e.g., tornadoes and floods) as well as incidents of violence (e.g., an active shooter on campus) and pandemic (e.g., influenza). A qualitative design was employed using moderated focus groups to collect data. The constant comparative method was the method of analysis. Fifty-four university students participated in ten focus groups focusing on three different themes (natural hazards preparedness, n = 20; preparedness for incidents of mass violence and pandemic, n = 16; and quantitative pilot survey results, n = 18). Generally, students reported a lack of concern about the occurrence of disasters, as well as a lack of motivation toward disaster preparedness. Despite a reported lack of preparedness for multiple disaster types, participants generated suggestions for increasing the preparedness of students on campus. Strategies will be discussed with the goal of engaging students and creating a climate that encourages preparedness as a university value. Based on our findings, practical recommendations for universities will be provided, such as the importance of each university conducting its own research to inform educational efforts, shape policies, and guide the distribution of resources.