In a groundbreaking study conducted in eastern Turkey, researchers demonstrated the positive impact of earthquake preparedness training on the psychological resilience and preparedness levels of mothers with physically disabled children.
Between January and April 2024, 78 mothers participated in this randomized controlled trial, which included training specifically designed to enhance readiness for earthquakes. The findings indicate that mothers who received the training significantly improved their psychological resilience and knowledge about earthquake preparedness.
Approximately 38.5% of mothers in the experimental group were between the ages of 32 and 39, emphasizing the demographic unique to the study. In contrast, 38.5% of mothers in the control group were aged between 25 and 31. Notably, prior to the earthquake preparedness training, both groups exhibited comparable levels of psychological resilience and preparedness.
After the training, mothers in the experimental group reported a significant increase in their psychological resilience when compared to the control group (p < .05). Additionally, their earthquake preparedness scores improved, confirming the effectiveness of the training (p < .05).
This study addresses a critical gap in disaster preparedness for families, particularly those with children who have disabilities. It highlights that individuals with disabilities often face unique challenges during emergencies, necessitating tailored strategies for preparedness.
In Turkey alone, a reported 381,129 children with disabilities exist, underlining the urgency for specialized training and resources. Given the data from the Ministry of Family and Social Services, 33,185 children aged 0-4 are affected, demonstrating a clear need for community resources and support.
The Adult Psychological Resilience Scale (APRS) and the Disaster Preparedness Scale (DPS) were utilized to measure outcomes within the study. Training material was based on best practices for disaster preparedness and was delivered directly to participants over several sessions. The training included techniques for emergency planning, first aid, and stress management.
Analysis of results showed significant differences in both APRS and DPS scores, indicating enhanced resilience among mothers after they had completed the training. Specifically, the APRS scores increased significantly, moving from a pretest mean of 74.1 to post-test mean of 77.2 (t = -7.005, p < 0.05). Similarly, their DPS scores improved from a pre-test mean of 31.8 to 35.8 post-test (t = 6.156, p < 0.05).
These findings shed light on the profound psychological and emotional turmoil families face when preparing for disasters, particularly among those with children with physical disabilities. Mothers reported that the training equipped them not only with knowledge but also with coping strategies that enhance their ability to remain calm and effective during emergencies.
Despite the study's promising outcomes, it presents limitations, including a smaller sample size and the challenge of generalizing to a larger population. However, it represents a vital step in understanding the intersection of disability and disaster preparedness.
As emphasized by the researchers, future policies should consider the psychological needs of these families and strive to provide ongoing training and resources. Furthermore, local governments and organizations are encouraged to develop long-term strategies that address the unique needs of vulnerable populations during disasters.
This study ultimately fills an important gap in the literature concerning earthquake preparedness for families with physically disabled children, paving the way for future research and intervention programs.
