ASSESSING DISASTER PREPAREDNESS OF ADULT INDIVIDUALS: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF DISASTER WORKERS WITH A SPECIFIC FOCUS ON ANDRAGOGY

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the disaster preparedness level of individuals through the perspective of disaster workers with a focus on andragogy. Qualitative research was conducted using the phenomenology design with a study group of 10 experts from the Trabzon Provincial Disaster and Emergency Management Authority, selected through purposive sampling. Thematic analysis by van Manen was used to analyze the data. The study found that disaster education was the most critical issue in disaster events, emphasizing the need to create awareness through education. The content of disaster education should be interesting to address the resistance of adult individuals, and disaster preparedness should begin at various stages, including simulation training. Education should be sustainable, mandatory, and tailored to regional conditions, supported by visual aids, videos, and public service announcements. Disaster awareness culture should be fostered, and education should be designed to eliminate prejudice among adult individuals. It was further emphasized that individual safety must be ensured before communal safety within the initial 72 hours following a disaster, and having a readily available disaster kit is essential. 