Disaster Risk Reduction in Schools: The Relationship of Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Preparedness from Elementary School Students in School-Based Disaster Preparedness in the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionLocated in the Sunda Megathrust zone, Mentawai Island is known as the epicenter of an active earthquake that has the potential to cause a tsunami. Students would be one of the most vulnerable groups during the disaster.ProblemThe low-level of School-Based Disaster Preparedness/Sekolah Siaga Bencana (SSB) of students’ preparedness in disaster risk reduction (DRR) can lead to increased vulnerability of students in facing disaster threats, especially a tsunami.MethodsThe study employed observational, correlative analytics with a cross-sectional approach. The sample includes 109 students from fifth and sixth grade in three elementary schools in Sipora, Mentawai Island district.ResultsThere was a significant influence between knowledge and attitude towards the preparedness of SSB students in DRR in Sipora, Mentawai Islands district.Conclusions:Knowledge and attitudes are key factors that must be taken into account in efforts to increase student preparedness to reduce the risk of a tsunami disaster.Sujarwo, Noorhamdani, Fathoni M. Disaster risk reduction in schools: the relationship of knowledge and attitudes towards preparedness from elementary school students in school-based disaster preparedness in the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(6):581–586.