DISASTER MENTAL HEALTH PREPAREDNESS AMONG RESIDENTS OF FLOOD-PRONE BARANGAYS IN SAN JOSE OCCIDENTAL MINDORO, PHILIPPINES

This study was conducted to examine the disaster mental health preparedness of people living in rural areas which are identified to be prone to floods specifically during the monsoon months of June to December. The study employed the descriptive-correlational method. A total of 100 respondents representing five (5) communities were the participants in this study.  Using the Psychological Preparedness for Disaster Threat Scale (PPDTS) as the main instrument in gathering the data, the respondents were also asked to complete the demographic survey such as age, sex, and socioeconomic status.  The major findings of the study include the following: that most of the respondents represent the young generation, are female, and belong to the mass-based socioeconomic status.  The statistical calculations showed that the respondents are not mentally well-prepared in facing disasters specifically floods and typhoons.  It was also revealed that demographic factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and length significantly impact the disaster mental health preparedness of people who are living in flood-prone areas. Also, both age and socioeconomic status affect the mental health readiness of the respondents.  It is recommended that psychological readiness be one of the components of the existing plans and programs for disaster mitigation.