Factors associated with disaster preparedness among non-native residents in Japan

Abstract

Introduction

  Migrants are often more vulnerable to disasters than the native population. The purpose of the study was to investigate the factors that influence individual disaster preparedness among non-native residents in Japan.

Methods

  A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among non-native residents aged 18 and above who had resided in Japan for a minimum of three months and could answer questions in Chinese, English, Vietnamese, or simple Japanese. The survey collected data on socio-economic demographic characteristics, disaster preparedness (self-help and mutual help), and its factors (risk awareness, feasibility of disaster preparedness, awareness of disaster prevention, imperative norms, and social connectedness at the community level). Disaster preparedness for self-help included identifying evacuation shelters, checking local hazard maps, discussing disaster preparation with families and peers, having proper home equipment, and willingness to cooperate with disaster relief efforts as a form of mutual help. Factors associated with disaster preparedness were determined using a binary logistic regression analysis.

Results

  We received 207 valid responses. Respondents’ mean age was 33.8±10.4 years, and almost half were male (51.7%). For many respondents, the origin country/region was China (48.8%), with 27.1% respondents having been in Japan for less than 3-5 years and 37.7% being students. Regarding disaster preparedness, more than half of the respondents (67.6%) identified evacuation shelters, and a majority (93.3%) had a sense of mutual help. Multivariate analysis showed that being male, over 40 years old, living together, financial affordability, having never experienced a disaster, and having participated in community activities, are significantly associated with self-help. Meanwhile, having regular social contacts with native residents was associated with mutual help.

Conclusion

  It is suggested that connections with family and peers, interactions with the community, including Japanese people, and participation in local activities are important for promoting disaster preparedness among non-native residents in Japan.