Experiences of parents of children with disabilities for disaster preparedness in Indonesia: a descriptive qualitative study

Introduction: The frequency of natural disasters globally has increased, with Indonesia being a high-risk country for disasters. Children with disabilities and their families are more vulnerable during disasters. This study aimed to evaluate the experiences of parents of children with disabilities in Indonesia in relation to natural disaster preparedness. Methods: This qualitative descriptive study included participants from five regions. In-person and virtual interviews were conducted using a 12-question guided questionnaire focusing on children’s daily living conditions, parental disaster experiences, and current disaster preparedness. All data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Twenty parents of children with a variety of disabilities were included in the study. The parents’ experiences were categorised into four themes: (1) parents’ understanding on disasters, (2) addressing children’s needs in disasters, (3) function of physical and social environments, and (4) household readiness against disasters. Conclusion: Findings indicated that most parents do not have a specific plan regarding preparations for disasters. However, experiencing a disaster increased their awareness of the need to prepare for their children’s unique needs. Effective disaster preparedness for parents of children with disabilities requires consideration of socio-cultural, political, economic, and ecological factors. Understanding families’ disaster preparedness experiences highlights the essential role of occupational therapists in supporting parents of children with disabilities.