Factors Motivating Individuals to Take Precautionary Action for an Expected Earthquake in Istanbul (original) (raw)
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Risk Analysis, 2010
Istanbul is expected to experience an earthquake in the near future, but individuals show limited interest in preparing for it. This study aims to identify the factors associated with taking action to prepare for an earthquake and mitigate its effects at the individual level. A field survey was carried out in 2007 in two districts of Istanbul with different levels of earthquake risk. Within these districts, three socioeconomic levels were considered. A total of 1,123 people were interviewed face to face. Analysis indicated that the educational level of the respondents was the leading factor associated with taking at least three measures, followed by living in a higher earthquake risk area, having participated in rescue and solidarity activities in previous earthquakes, a higher level of knowledge about earthquakes, home ownership, a higher score for action-stimulating attitudes, being younger, and a higher general safety score, in that order. The findings pointed to the role of knowledge about earthquakes and possible mitigation/preparedness measures, and thus the importance of developing effective awareness programs. Such programs should also consider the characteristics of different groups in the population. Motivated individuals, such as those who have participated in rescue and solidarity activities in previous earthquakes, could be involved in reaching other people.
Earthquake awareness and perception of risk among the residents of Istanbul
Natural Hazards
Awareness and perception of risk are among the most crucial steps in the process of taking precautions at individual level for various hazards. In this study, we investigated the factors affecting better knowledge and greater risk perception about earthquakes among residents of Istanbul. A field survey was carried out, and a total of 1,123 people were interviewed in two districts of Istanbul with different seismic risk levels and from three (low, moderate and high) socio-economic levels (SEL). The findings showed that although the level of knowledge regarding earthquakes and preparedness for them was promising, it could be improved. The results indicated that future preparedness programmes should target people with lower educational and socio-economic levels. The media were the leading source of information among the respondents. Location of the home was a strong influence on individuals having above average earthquake knowledge and even more on high risk perception. Socio-economic parameters (educational level, economic status, SEL of the sub-district and tenure of the home), gender and attitude score were other factors influencing greater risk perception with regard to earthquakes.
Individual preparedness and mitigation actions for a predicted earthquake in Istanbul
Disasters, 2010
This study investigated the process of taking action to mitigate damage and prepare for an earthquake at the individual level. Its specific aim was to identify the factors that promote or inhibit individuals in this process. The study was conducted in Istanbul, Turkey—where an earthquake is expected soon—in May and June 2006 using qualitative methods. Within our conceptual framework, three different patterns emerged among the study subjects. Outcome expectancy, helplessness, a low socioeconomic level, a culture of negligence, a lack of trust, onset time/poor predictability, and normalisation bias inhibit individuals in this process, while location, direct personal experience, a higher education level, and social interaction promote them. Drawing on these findings, the paper details key points for better disaster communication, including whom to mobilise to reach target populations, such as individuals with direct earthquake experience and women.
Risk perception in Istanbul: An earthquake-prone city
Risk perception on natural hazards in Turkey has been an emerging topic after of 1999 Kocaeli and Duzce earthquakes. The motivation lies behind the fact that it was the first time in the Turkish history, disaster mitigation had been considered as the responsibility of not only the government, but also all stake holders. Therefore, awareness campaigns, public participation, volunteering and increasing individual capacity against earthquakes have become hot topics to have a fresh start in building resilient communities. This paper aims to reveal earthquake risk perception and preparedness level of Istanbul residents. The results of two recent surveys on risk perception which were conducted in 2008 and 2013 are evaluated according to measures taken, willingness to pay for a safer house and trust to authorities. The findings of both surveys underline that there is an improvement in risk perception and measures taken to reduce risks related with earthquakes.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Tehran’s Inhabitants for an Earthquake and Related Determinants
Background A major destructive earthquake is predicted to shake the Tehran city in the near future. To mitigate the damage from such earthquakes, it is necessary to assess the preparedness of people and find the related risk factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Tehran city among people aged 15 years or older in 2009. 1195 of Tehran’s residents were interviewed using a questionnaire. Pearson chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used in order to evaluate the factors associated with preparedness against an earthquake. Results The analysis showed that 1076 (90.0%), 1160 (97.1%), and 490 (41.0%) of the participants achieved half of the possible scores for the knowledge, attitude, and practice components, respectively. Furthermore, in multivariate analysis low knowledge (p<0.001), having a high-school (p=0.033) or lower education (p<0.001) and living in Northern high-risk regions (p<0.001) of the Tehran were identified as risk factors for taking precautionary measures against earthquake. For low knowledge, lack of previous experience (p<0.001), and working as labor, businessman, employee (p=0.001) or being housewife (p=0.002) were related risk factors. In addition, people in the Southern high risk regions were significantly more knowledgeable (OR=0.618 compared to people in low risk regions) about earthquakes. Conclusions It is suggested that preparedness programs should target people with lower educational level and people in high risk regions especially the Northern districts of the city and aim at increasing public knowledge about earthquakes.
People's perspectives and expectations on preparedness against earthquake: Tehran case study
2011
Background: Public education is one of the most important elements of earthquake preparedness. The present study identifies methods and appropriate strategies for public awareness and education on preparedness for earthquakes based on people's opinions in the city of Tehran. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study and a door-to-door survey of residents from 22 municipal districts in Tehran, the capital city of Iran. It involved a total of 1 211 individuals aged 15 and above. People were asked about different methods of public information and education, as well as the type of information needed for earthquake preparedness. Results: "Enforcing the building contractors' compliance with the construction codes and regulations" was ranked as the first priority by 33.4% of the respondents. Over 70% of the participants (71.7%) regarded TV as the most appropriate means of media communication to prepare people for an earthquake. This was followed by "radio" which was selected by 51.6% Accepted 2009-05-20 planning, development, and dissemination of essential information to all stakeholders including the local communities.
An exploratory study on perceptions of seismic risk and mitigation in two districts of Istanbul
Disasters, 2010
Istanbul is one of the world's cities most vulnerable to seismic events. According to seismologists, the probability of a severe earthquake in the next 30 years is approximately 40 per cent. Following an outline of the seismicity of this vital Turkish city and a summary of current seismic risks and mitigation studies, this paper presents the results of a survey conducted in two districts of Istanbul, Avcilar and Bakirkoy. The survey comprised some 60 questions on the seismic risk perceptions of individuals and requested basic personal data, such as on age, education level, employment type, financial income, and gender. Despite various differences among the survey population, such as academic background and level of financial income, responses were surprisingly similar, especially in terms of having no plan for a safer house. The data may help those planning mitigation programmes and public awareness campaigns on preparedness and particularly mitigation in highly vulnerable regions.
Earthquake Preparedness: Predictors in a Community Survey1
Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 1992
We measured the relationship between earthquake concern and preparation in a community with high seismic risk. Five samples of approximately 800 people were interviewed by telephone about their earthquake concern, but this study focuses on the last two samples in which respondents reported their preparatory behaviors. The findings were consistent in showing greater likelihood of concern for those who had experienced an earthquake, were female, younger, and non-Anglo and a greater likelihood of preparation for those who had more concern, were married, and had lived longer at their present address. In a nonrecursive causal model, no evidence was found for a reciprocal effect of preparation on concern. These results were discussed in terms of health belief models including the self-efficacy and "stages of change" perspectives. Implications were drawn for interventions to increase preparation in ready-to-change groups and compensate for the resistance of those less willing or able to prepare. Recent earthquakes have killed tens of thousands of people in Mexico City, Soviet Armenia, Iran, and the Philippines. The 1989 Loma-Prieta ("world series") quake reminded Americans of their own vulnerability to major earthquakes. This earthquake registered 7.1 on the Richter scale (releasing seismic energy equivalent to a 7-megaton nuclear explosion), caused an estimated $5.6 billion in damage, and killed 63 people (CDC, 1989).
TRC Journal of Humanitarian Action, 2024
Improving individuals’ disaster preparedness behaviors is critical to promoting sustainable disaster risk reduction. This survey-based research has two main objectives: (1) to adapt an Earthquake Preparedness Behavior Scale to Turkish based on Wang et al.’s (2021) Preparedness Behavior Scale and social cognitive scales for social trust, subjective norms, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and risk perception and (2) to identify the correlational relationships the social-cognitive and demographic factors have with earthquake preparedness behavior. The psychometric properties of the scales are examined using exploratory factor and reliability analyses. The relationships among the variables are examined using the Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses. The study includes a sample of 496 participants from different cities in Türkiye. The results of the validity and reliability analyses show the psychometric properties of the Turkish forms of the scales to be quite good. The findings from the correlation analysis show preparedness behavior to generally not have strong relationships with social cognitive and demographic factors. According to the study results, social cognitive factors are generally related to earthquake risk perception.