DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND PERCEPTIONS OF GENDER ROLES IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT

This study aimed to examine individuals’ levels of disaster preparedness and their perceptions of gender roles in disaster management prior to the 6 February 2023 earthquakes in Hatay Province. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,422 participants. Data were collected using the Disaster Preparedness Scale (DPS) and the Perception Scale of Gender Roles in Disaster Management (PSGRDM). Descriptive statistics and comparative analyses were performed to evaluate relationships between variables.Of the participants, 66.8% were women and 85.7% were aged between 18 and 29 years. The mean DPS score was 33.50 ± 8.85, and the mean PSGRDM score was 71.73 ± 13.05. Married participants had significantly higher DPS scores than unmarried participants (p = 0.015). Individuals who had received disaster-related training, were familiar with the Turkish Disaster Response Plan (TAMP:Türkiye Afet Müdahale Planı), or had prior disaster experience showed significantly higher preparedness levels (p < 0.05). Women reported higher PSGRDM scores compared to men, indicating greater awareness of gender roles in disaster management. Additionally, participants with a bachelor’s degree or higher had significantly higher PSGRDM scores than those with lower educational levels (p < 0.001).Improving disaster preparedness requires expanding education and training programs as well as increasing public awareness. Promoting gender equality in disaster management is also crucial for reducing the adverse impacts of disasters and ensuring more inclusive and effective response strategies.