Determinants of Disaster Preparedness Behaviors Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior among Residents of Kerman, Iran: A Cross-sectional Study

Preparedness for disasters is critical for households and is influenced by various factors. This study aimed to investigate the determinants of disaster preparedness behaviors [DPB] based on the theory of planned behavior [TPB] in Kerman.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 residents of Kerman. The standard DPB questionnaire and a researcher-made questionnaire based on the TPB were used to collect data through phone calls to the heads of families. Participants were selected via a multistage sampling technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics, including T-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and linear regression via SPSS software [version 21].

Most of the participants were not prepared to deal with disasters. A significant positive relationship was observed between DPB and behavioral intentions [r=0.282, p<0.0001]. Besides, DPB had a significant difference with individuals’ experiences of disasters [P=0.001]. Behavioral intentions had a direct and significant relationship with perceived behavioral control [r=0.208, p<0.0001] and subjective norms [r=0.114, p=0.023]. The final model indicated that intention and disaster experience were significant predictors of preparedness behaviors.

In this study, DPB were not favorable. Behavioral intention was the strong predictor of DPB. Therefore, interventions based on the constructs of the TPB are recommended to increase behavioral intention and ultimately improve disaster preparedness behavior.