Disaster preparedness and disaster risk perception among undergraduate health sciences students: a mixed-methods study

BACKGROUND: Disasters are significant public health concerns. It is essential for students, especially those studying healthcare, to prepare for disasters. This study aimed to determine the disaster preparedness and disaster risk perceptions of undergraduate health field students. METHODS: This was a mixed-methods study. The quantitative dimension was conducted with 452 students studying in the Health Sciences, Medicine, and Dentistry faculties of a university. Data were collected online using an Information Collection Form, the Disaster Preparedness Scale (DPS), and the Disaster Risk Perception Scale (DRPS). The qualitative dimension was completed with 24 students in two focus group interview sessions using a semi-structured interview form. RESULTS: The mean DPS and DRPS scores of the students were 28.25 ± 5.99 (above average) and 59.54 ± 14.01 (above average), respectively. A significant negative correlation was found between students' Disaster Risk Perception and Disaster Preparedness levels (r=-0.382, p < 0.05). In the qualitative dimension of the research, four main themes were identified: "Perceptions and experiences related to disasters," "Disaster preparedness," "Experiences and opinions regarding services provided during disasters," and "Opinions and suggestions regarding disaster management." CONCLUSIONS: As students' disaster preparedness levels increase, their perceptions of disaster risk tend to decrease. In this sense, the results of this study emphasize the importance of implementing training programs and initiatives to increase the disaster preparedness of students studying in the health field.