Demographic predictors of disaster preparedness behaviour: Sylhet and Sunamganj, Bangladesh

ABSTRACT

Bangladesh is a country prone to natural disasters, and disaster preparedness behavior (DPB) is an important factor in reducing the damage caused by these disasters. However, DPB has been neglected at the national level. This study aimed to investigate disaster preparedness behavior (DPB) among households in two districts in Bangladesh, Sylhet and Sunamganj. The researchers collected data through face-to-face interviews with 536 households and used the Public Readiness Index to measure DPB scores. The study found a surprisingly low level of preparedness among households, with an average DPB score of 2.42 out of 8. Individual and household characteristics, including sex, marital status, income level, previous disaster experiences, losing someone due to disaster, having a differently-abled member, house ownership, and house material, were identified as the prime predictors of DPB scores. However, these factors only explained 25.1% of the variance, suggesting that other predictors may also exist. The study recommends that policymakers prioritise the most disaster-vulnerable groups and develop policies that support these households and their members. This could include education and awareness campaigns, material support to households, and community-based approaches to disaster preparedness. However, the study has some limitations, including its limited generalizability and reliance on self-reported data. Further research is needed to identify other associated factors, such as disaster risk, intensity, vulnerability, and awareness, to gain a better understanding of DPB in Bangladesh.

KEYWORDS:

• Disaster
• Preparedness
• Determinant
• Individual
• Household
• Bangladesh

Acknowledgements

The authors of this study would like to express their sincere appreciation to all the respondents who generously provided their valuable data, without which this research could not have been possible. Furthermore, the authors extend their gratitude to Professor Shima Chowdhury for her meticulous proofreading of this study.

Contributors

Mortuja Mahamud Tohan accepts full responsibility for the work and/or the conduct of the study, had access to the data, and controlled the decision to publish. Mortuja Mahamud Tohan also takes responsibility for the integrity and accuracy of the data analysis. Mortuja Mahamud Tohan and Anamul Kabir performed the statistical analysis. Md Ziaul Hoque and Mortuja Mahamud Tohan prepared the first draft of the manuscript. Dr. Tuhin Roy reviewed and undertook the scientific editing of the manuscript both for statistical correctness and language appropriateness. All authors read and approved the final version for publication.

Competing interests

None declared.

Patient consent for publication

Not required.

Provenance and peer review

Not commissioned; externally peer-reviewed.

Data availability statement

Data were collected through face-to-face interview and preserved by the corresponding author.

Additional information

Funding

The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.