DISASTER FEAR AND INDIVIDUAL RESILIENCE AMONG ADULTS LIVING IN A HHGH EARTHQUAKE-RISK CITY IN TURKEY
Disaster Resilience
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Disaster resilience, Disaster Fear, Earthquake Preparedness, public health nursingAbstract
This study aimed to determine the level of disaster fear and earthquake resilience among adults living in a high-risk earthquake city in Turkey and to identify factors influencing individual resilience. This cross-sectional field study was conducted with 392 adults aged 20–65 years using an online survey. Data were collected through a Descriptive Questionnaire and the Individual Disaster Resilience Assessment Scale (BADD). Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, and linear regression analysis were used. More than half of the participants (75.8%) had experienced at least one disaster, and 19.1% had lost a relative due to a disaster. Only 34.9% reported having a personal or family disaster plan, and 28.8% had an emergency kit. The mean disaster fear score was 5.91 ± 2.51, with 30.4% reporting high fear levels (≥8). The mean resilience score was 61.18 ± 9.64. Regression analysis revealed that educational status, previous disaster experience, and prior first aid training were significant predictors of individual disaster resilience. Despite high disaster exposure and moderate fear levels, individual preparedness and resilience remain insufficient. Interventions focusing on disaster education and skill-based training may enhance individual and community resilience in earthquake-prone regions.
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