Assessing beliefs and preparedness for disasters among high school female students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Background/aim: Disasters are becoming more frequent globally. In the past years, Saudi Arabia has been exposed to various disasters. Public awareness of disasters and disaster preparedness/response are deemed important to reduce risks, injury, or even death from disasters. This study was conducted to determine the level of knowledge, beliefs, and performance of female high school students in relation to disaster preparedness.

Method: From November to December 2016, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 579 female high school students enrolled in five public schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Participants were distributed a self-administered questionnaire on disaster experiences, knowledge of disaster, attitudes and beliefs, and health belief model components.

Results: The students' level of knowledge was high (48.7%), while their level of performance in disaster preventive behaviours was average (28.5%). The students' total preparedness for disasters was also average (30%). Their beliefs regarding the risk of catastrophe were low (45.1%).

Conclusion: The findings of this study reveal a significant gap between knowledge and action. The students' disbelief in the occurrence of disasters and the importance of preparation has led to a lack of readiness. This underscores the critical need for increased education and emphasis on disaster response and preparedness among female high school students.