Factors Influencing Emergency Response Behaviors Related to Safety among Individuals with Hearing Impairments

Purpose: This study examined the level of emergency response behaviors and influencing factors among individuals with hearing impairments using the data from the fourth wave (2021) of the Panel Survey of Persons with Disabilities in Korea. Methods: Among the 5,024 respondents, 652 individuals with hearing impairments were selected for analysis. This study assessed general and safety-related characteristics, including daily safety perception, accident experience, awareness of disaster preparedness training, residential safety, and activity limitations. Data were analyzed using complex sample frequency analysis, general linear modeling, and regression analysis. Results: Higher levels of emergency response behavior were observed among individuals with hearing impairments who were males (t=3.25, p=.005), had an education level of associate degree or higher (t=-2.14, p=.049), had a mild level of disability (t=-3.51, p=.003), were aware of comprehensive disaster preparedness training (t=5.32, p<.001), perceived their residential environment as safe (t=5.72, p<.001), and experienced fewer activity limitations related to their disability (t=-8.34, p<.001). The model accounted for 39% of the variance in emergency response behavior (F=21.44, p<.001). Conclusion: Expanding disaster preparedness training and improving residential safety are essential for enhancing emergency response among individuals with hearing impairments. Tailored support is particularly important for those with severe disabilities and greater activity limitations. Future nursing interventions should take these factors into account.