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Disaster Awareness, Preparedness, and Belief of Residents of Selected
Barangays in Angeles City

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M. Basilio, Y. Dizon, M. Cato, J. Paras, A. Aranas, M. Musngi, 1
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J. Ocampo, R. Gando, J. Viray, H. Pangilinan, and T. Rivera 1
1 College of Nursing, Angeles University Foundation, Philippines
Background: Disasters significantly impact various communities globally, with Angeles City facing
numerous natural hazards like typhoons, rain-induced landslides, and volcanic and seismic activities.
This cross-sectional descriptive study assesses disaster awareness, preparedness, and beliefs among
residents in six selected barangays of Angeles City.

Objective: The research aims to evaluate community awareness and preparedness for potential
disasters, investigate disaster-related beliefs, and identify implications for enhancing disaster nursing
in healthcare response, education, and preparation.

Methods: Using cluster sampling, 396 respondents were selected. Communities were clustered into streets,
chosen via a fishbowl method, with all households on selected streets included. A 91-item questionnaire,
Oral Presentation Abstracts
combining the Disaster Awareness and Preparedness Questionnaire (DAPQ) and the General Disaster
Preparedness Belief Scale (GDPB), was used. Researchers conducted house-to-house visits in randomly selected
streets across the six communities. Data analysis, using SPSS software version 29, employed descriptive statistics
like mean, frequency, and percentage.

Results: Respondents show overall moderate disaster awareness (x̄̄=3.49), with high awareness of typhoons,
earthquakes, fires, and floods, and moderate awareness of volcanic eruptions and landslides. Typhoon
awareness is highest, while landslide awareness is lowest. Disaster preparedness is generally high (x̄̄=4.22), with
the highest for typhoons and the lowest for landslides. Lower preparedness is noted in timely evacuation and
safety measures. Disaster belief is notably high (x̄̄=3.80), with perceived benefits ranking highest and perceived
barriers lowest. Statements concerning fire extinguisher use and family disaster information dissemination are
notably low. The study emphasizes nurses’ crucial role in disaster preparedness and response, highlighting their
importance in community education, disaster response coordination, and collaboration with organizations and
government agencies.

Conclusion: The findings provide baseline information to enhance disaster awareness, preparedness,
and beliefs among residents in Angeles City. The study calls for strengthening early warning systems,
specialized training, continuous assessment, community outreach, media campaigns, and expanded
roles for nurses to enhance disaster preparedness and response.

Keywords: disaster awareness, disaster preparedness, disaster belief, disaster nursing

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Correspondence: Matthew Andrei Basilio, College of Nursing, Angeles University Foundation, Philippines
E-mail: basilio.matthewandrei@auf.edu.ph

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