Determining the disaster preparedness of university staff: the case of artvin coruh university, Turkey

Abstract This research undertaking ascertains the preparedness and perception of academic and administrative personnel at Artvin Çoruh University regarding disaster risk. For this study, a descriptive and cross-sectional research approach was used. The study population comprises academic and administrative personnel employed at the university. The sampling methodology did not apply any specific method, and the study comprised 218 employees who willingly agreed to participate. However, because of the presence of individuals who provided partial responses in the questionnaires, the total number of participants included in the study sample was reduced to 215. A statistically significant correlation was identified, as measured by the DPS total score, between the gender of the faculty and staff and their knowledge of emergency action plans at the university. A statistically significant link was discovered between the DRPS total score and the likelihood of experiencing a disaster, material loss, and the consideration of relocation to avoid disaster risk. A statistically significant relationship was found between the DPS total score and the status of receiving disaster training, compulsory disaster insurance of the house of residence, and disaster preparation. This study also investigated the correlation between the DRPS and DPS total scores of university workers and their age. A statistically insignificant correlation was observed between the DRPS and DPS total scores. In this regard, it is advised that staff members of the institutions participate in frequent repetitions of disaster awareness training and drills.