Factors affecting the application of protective measures before flood occurrence among local communities in Iran

Floods rank among the most destructive natural hazards, inflicting extensive damage on rural areas by compromising infrastructure, destroying crops, and undermining livelihoods. Beyond the immediate economic losses, such events often trigger rural outmigration and erode social cohesion. Effective flood prevention strategies are therefore critical and can be advanced through public awareness campaigns, the reinforcement of social capital, the development of flood-resilient infrastructure, and the implementation of integrated crisis management plans. Despite the importance of these measures, previous research has largely concentrated on assessing community vulnerability, with limited attention given to proactive protective factors. Addressing this gap, the present study aims to identify the determinants influencing the adoption of protective measures among rural communities in Iran prior to flood events. The statistical population of this study comprised all rural households in Shushtar County, located in Khuzestan Province, southwest Iran. A sample of 353 rural household heads was selected using the Krejcie and Morgan table, applying a multi-stage stratified sampling method to ensure representation across different villages. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, the validity of which was confirmed by a panel of subject matter experts, while reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Data analysis was conducted in two phases—descriptive and inferential statistics—using SPSS and SmartPLS software. The findings demonstrated that the variables of psychological distance, social media use, place attachment, flood experience, social capital, and flood risk perception had significant and positive effects on protective behaviors prior to flooding. Collectively, these variables accounted for 76.3% of the variance in protective measures. These findings offer critical insights for policymakers seeking to enhance the resilience and safety of rural communities in flood-prone regions. By proactively addressing flood risks, such measures can contribute to the sustainability of rural livelihoods and the strengthening of local resilience.