Disaster education boosts preparedness in Turkish women, randomized trial findsDisaster education boosts preparedness in women in western Turkey
Public health nursing (Boston, Mass.)Published May 1, 2026Study authors: Sögüt Seda Cangöl, Kiliçarslan TuğçePubMed ↗DOI ↗Editorial oversight: Dr. Sofia Müller, MD · Lifespan & Whole-Person Care
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Key Takeaway
Consider integrating structured disaster awareness education into community programs to improve short-term preparedness, though longer-term data are lacking.
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effect of a structured disaster awareness education program on disaster preparedness among women in western Turkey. The study included 120 women aged 18-65 recruited from public education center courses, with 60 assigned to the disaster education group and 60 to a control group receiving nutrition education.
The intervention covered disaster types, preparedness strategies, emergency kits, evacuation plans, and basic first aid. The primary outcome was disaster awareness and preparedness, measured by the Disaster Preparedness Scale total score at four weeks after the intervention.
Results showed a significant and large effect of the disaster education program, with a partial η of 0.70 (p < 0.001), indicating that the experimental group scored significantly higher than the control group. No adverse events, serious adverse events, or discontinuations were reported, and tolerability was not reported.
Limitations include lack of reporting on funding, conflicts of interest, and specific limitations of the study design. The follow-up was only four weeks, so longer-term retention of knowledge and skills is unknown. The study was conducted in a single region in Turkey, which may limit generalizability.
Clinically, this trial suggests that a brief, structured disaster education program can substantially improve short-term disaster preparedness among women in community settings. While promising, further research with longer follow-up and diverse populations is needed before widespread implementation.
This randomized controlled trial compared two types of education courses for women aged 18 to 65 in western Turkey. One group received a structured disaster awareness program covering preparedness strategies and first aid. The other group received nutrition education. The study measured changes in disaster awareness and preparedness four weeks after the courses ended.
The women in the disaster education group showed significantly higher scores on the Disaster Preparedness Scale. The effect was large, with a partial eta squared of 0.70. The difference between the groups was statistically significant with a p value less than 0.001.
No adverse events or safety concerns were reported during the study. The researchers recommend incorporating this type of education into disaster training programs. The community may become more aware and prepared for natural disasters through these measures. This study suggests that specific disaster training is effective for improving readiness.
What this means for you:
Disaster education improved preparedness scores in women over four weeks compared to nutrition education.
OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of awareness-based disaster education on women's disaster awareness and preparedness.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a randomized controlled trial, 120 women who participated in public education center courses were randomly assigned to a control group and an experimental group (n = 60 each). Participants were women aged 18-65 in western Turkey. The participants in the experimental group received disaster education based on a structured awareness programme, while the control group received nutrition education. The validated instruments were used to assess disaster awareness and disaster preparedness. The intervention covered disaster types, preparedness strategies, emergency kits, evacuation plans, and basic first aid. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a form for sociodemographic characteristics, a form for disaster awareness assessment, and the Disaster Preparedness Scale. Pre-tests were administered to both groups, and post-tests were conducted four weeks after the intervention.
RESULTS: After controlling for confounders and pre-test scores using ANCOVA, education was found to have a significant and large effect on the Disaster Preparedness Scale total score (p < 0.001; partial η = 0.70). The post-test scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group.
CONCLUSION: Women who received awareness-based disaster education improved disaster awareness and preparedness. It is recommended that this education be incorporated into disaster training programs. The community is more aware and prepared for natural disasters due to the measures that have been taken.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iran Randomized Clinical Trial Center IRCT20240613062113N1 Registered on July 20, 2024.
