The Effect of Awareness‐Based Disaster Education on Women's Disaster Awareness and Preparedness: A Randomized Controlled Study

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of awareness-based disaster education on women's disaster awareness and preparedness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a randomized controlled trial, 120 women who participated in public education center courses were randomly assigned to a control group and an experimental group (n = 60 each). Participants were women aged 18-65 in western Turkey. The participants in the experimental group received disaster education based on a structured awareness programme, while the control group received nutrition education. The validated instruments were used to assess disaster awareness and disaster preparedness. The intervention covered disaster types, preparedness strategies, emergency kits, evacuation plans, and basic first aid. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a form for sociodemographic characteristics, a form for disaster awareness assessment, and the Disaster Preparedness Scale. Pre-tests were administered to both groups, and post-tests were conducted four weeks after the intervention. RESULTS: = 0.70). The post-test scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group. CONCLUSION: Women who received awareness-based disaster education improved disaster awareness and preparedness. It is recommended that this education be incorporated into disaster training programs. The community is more aware and prepared for natural disasters due to the measures that have been taken. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iran Randomized Clinical Trial Center IRCT20240613062113N1 Registered on July 20, 2024.