Current status of disaster awareness among mothers with infants : comparison before and after attending a disaster prevention seminar

Abstract

Objective : To determine the levels of disaster awareness among mothers of infants and toddlers, and the changes in such awareness after their participation in a disaster seminar.

Methods : We conducted an online seminar on disaster prevention for mothers of infants and toddlers in prefecture A, and administered a web-based questionnaire survey before and after the seminar. The questions sought to obtain information on the participants’ basic attributes as well as their knowledge and sources of information on complex disasters, disaster awareness, and disaster preparedness. We used descriptive statistics and a corresponding t-test to analyze changes in disaster awareness and demonstrate changes in perceptions of preparedness.

Results : Among the 27 participants, over 90% had little or no knowledge about complex disasters. Less than 10% had some knowledge. The most common sources of information about complex disasters were television and radio, comprising a total of 70%. Disaster preparedness scores increased significantly （p <.001） after the seminar. Furthermore, factor analysis demonstrated a significant increase and differences in Factors 1, and 3, that is, “imagination of disaster situation,” and “other-orientedness” （Factors 1 and 3 : p <.001）. The number of items that the

respondents wanted to prepare for themselves and their children（ e.g., toys and baby food） increased in all categories after the seminar.

Discussion : This study revealed that the participants lacked knowledge regarding complex disasters and were inadequately prepared to face such disasters with their children. As the participants’ disaster awareness and preparedness increased after the seminar, the seminar could be considered effective. Our findings suggest the need for continued disaster-related efforts in the community, including the implementation of awareness-raising activities for mothers, children, and their families regarding complex disasters, as well as the verification of approaches that effectively lead from disaster prevention awareness to concrete action.