Disaster Awareness and Preparedness: The Case of Ondokuz Mayıs University

Abstract

This study offers a comprehensive examination to understand university students' disaster awareness and preparedness level in the Ondokuz May & imath;s University (OMU) case. The research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by evaluating disaster awareness and examining the impact of various demographic factors on students' attitudes toward disasters. This research offers a unique perspective by integrating physical and psychological dimensions of disaster preparedness, highlighting the necessity of comprehensive disaster education. Within the scope of the research, a survey was conducted with the participation of 382 students from diverse faculties, colleges, and institutes during the 2022-2023 Spring Semester. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to evaluate relationships between variables. The findings underscore that disaster awareness and preparedness must be addressed broadly, especially by considering demographic diversity. This study provides valuable insights for improving disaster management education for OMU and other higher education institutions, aiming to foster a more resilient student population.