Determinants of Disaster Preparedness Behaviors Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior among Residents of Kerman, Iran: A Cross-sectional Study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction Preparedness for disasters is critical for households and is influenced by various factors. This study aimed to investigate the determinants of disaster preparedness behaviors (DPB) based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in Kerman. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 residents of Kerman. The standard DPB questionnaire and a researcher-made questionnaire based on the TPB were used to collect data through phone calls to the heads of families. Participants were selected via a multistage sampling technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics, including T-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and linear regression via SPSS software (version 21). Results Most of the participants were not prepared to deal with disasters. A significant positive relationship was observed between DPB and behavioral intentions (r=0.282, p<0.0001). Besides, DPB had a significant difference with individuals’ experiences of disasters (P=0.001). Behavioral intentions had a direct and significant relationship with perceived behavioral control (r=0.208, p<0.0001) and subjective norms (r=0.114, p=0.023). The final model indicated that intention and disaster experience were significant predictors of preparedness behaviors. Conclusion In this study, DPB were not favorable. Behavioral intention was the strong predictor of DPB. Therefore, interventions based on the constructs of the TPB are recommended to increase behavioral intention and ultimately improve disaster preparedness behavior.
Source: The Open Public Health Journal
Authors: Seyed Vahid Ahmadi Tabatabaei, Armita Shahesmaeilinejad, Salman Shams al-Dini Moghaddam, Fatemeh Rezabeigi Davarani
Institution: Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4409622097
