Flood Preparedness Literacy and Behaviors in Community Dwelling Older Adults

Disaster Med Public Health Prep. 2021 Aug;15(4):452-457. doi: 10.1017/dmp.2020.27. Epub 2020 Mar 27.

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors related to flood preparedness literacy and the relationship between flood preparedness literacy and behaviors.

Methods: A quantitative descriptive correlational study. The sample included 134 people residing in a central Thai province. Descriptive statistics, point-biserial correlation coefficient, and Spearman's rank correlation were used in the data analysis.

Results: The results revealed that the factors related to flood preparedness literacy with a statistical significance were marital status (rpb = 0.207; P < 0.01), hearing ability (r = 0.197; P < 0.05), instrumental activities of daily living (r = 0.226; P < 0.01), and social support (r = 0.388; P < 0.01). Flood preparedness literacy was correlated with flood preparedness behaviors (r = 0.281; P < 0.01).

Conclusion: The factors related to flood preparedness literacy as mentioned above should be assessed to identify vulnerable groups for specific care provision. Furthermore, nurses should promote these factors to contribute to effective responses during flood disasters.

Keywords: community dwelling; flood preparedness behaviors; flood preparedness literacy; older adult.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Disaster Planning*
  • Floods*
  • Health Literacy*
  • Humans
  • Independent Living