DETERMINATION OF BIOFOAM AWARENESS OF STUDENTS IN CIVIL DEFENSE FIREFIGHTING AND EMERGENCY AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the level of awareness of biological foam among students enrolled in civil defense and firefighting and emergency and disaster management programs at four universities in the Eastern Black Sea region. Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of students enrolled in these programs during the 2022-2023 academic year. No specific sampling method was used; an attempt was made to reach the entire population and a total of 260 respondents were interviewed. The data for the study was collected using a questionnaire that included socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge about fire, disasters and firefighting, attitudes towards exercises and a Biological Foam Awareness Scale (BFAS) questionnaire developed based on a literature review. Frequency and t-tests were used to statistically analyze the data. Results: The research findings indicate that biological foam awareness is moderate among students enrolled in civil defense and firefighting and emergency and disaster management programs at the four identified universities. Conclusion: Examination of the results of the study revealed that awareness of biological foam is inadequate. Therefore, it is recommended that efforts and activities to increase the awareness and use of biological foam be implemented, targeting both students in existing degree programs and individuals working in firefighting.