Determinants and Moderators of Community-level Disaster Preparedness in Silang, Cavite, Philippines
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31154/isc12.v12i1.52.18-41Keywords:
disaster preparedness, disaster risk perception, disaster risk attitude, disaster frequency, demographic factors, determinants, moderatorsAbstract
This study investigated the relationships between disaster risk perception levels, risk attitude, and disaster frequency as determinants of disaster preparedness among selected residents in the municipality of Silang, Cavite, Philippines. It also examined whether demographic factors, such as age, gender, educational attainment, occupation, income, marital status, and religion, moderate these relationships. Findings revealed an above average perception of disaster risks, as measured in areas of responsibility, control, acceptability, and response components. Risk attitude was generally good, as respondents valued family presence as the most important motivating factor to avoid disaster risks. Meanwhile, respondents expressed typhoons as the most frequently experienced disaster, followed by earthquakes, other calamities, and hazards. Disaster preparedness level was remarkably high, exhibited by a high score in the contingency planning component, while low in training. Inferential statistics revealed that disaster risk perception and risk attitude demonstrated moderately positive correlations with disaster preparedness. On the other hand, disaster frequency revealed a weak positive correlation. Meanwhile, no significant differences were observed in disaster preparedness when selected demographic factors were treated as determinants. Instead, they demonstrated both significant positive and negative effects when used as moderating variables (effect modifiers) on the relationships between risk perception, risk attitude, disaster frequency, and preparedness. Overall, the study findings highlight the value of the moderating role of demographic factors in disaster preparedness relationship models. Using both determinants and moderators in developing interventions to enhance disaster preparedness suggests a highly essential strategy for a healthy and disaster-resilient community.
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