Theory-based flood disaster education enhances disaster preparedness among adolescents in Selangor, Malaysia: a cluster randomized controlled study

Flood disasters are prevalent and severely impact humans and the environment, with adolescents being particularly vulnerable. Preparedness can mitigate this impact from disaster. This study evaluated a tailored disaster educational module known as 'Get-Ready DEM' based on the Extended Parallel Pathway Model (EPPM), to enhance flood disaster preparedness among adolescents in Selangor, Malaysia. A two-arm, single-blinded, cluster-randomised controlled trial involved 287 adolescents from eight secondary schools, divided into intervention (140 participants) and control (147 participants) groups. The intervention group received the 'Get-Ready DEM' once after the baseline assessment, while the control group was on the waitlist. Preparedness was measured using the Flood Disaster Preparedness Index (FDPI) scores at baseline, immediate post-intervention, and 3 months post-intervention. Data were analysed using a generalised estimation equation. Results showed a significant increase in FDPI scores for the intervention group immediately post-intervention (β = 2.17; 95% CI = 1.66, 2.66; p value < 0.001) and at the 3-month follow-up (β = 1.58; 95% CI = 0.99, 2.16; p value < 0.001) compared to the control group. These findings underscore the EPPM framework's efficacy in designing effective flood disaster education. Implementing modules like 'Get-Ready DEM' can significantly enhance adolescents' resilience and preparedness, suggesting a promising approach for disaster preparedness programs. Trial registration: This study was registered retrospectively under Thai Clinical Trial Registry TCTR20240426001 on 26th April 2024 and obtained ethical approval by the Ethics Committee of Human Research University Putra Malaysia (JKEUPM-2022-858) and the Ministry of Education, Malaysia (KPM.600-3/2/3-eras (15189). This study received funding from the University of Putra Malaysia through the university grant 'Putra Berfokus' (6302015-14001).