Effectiveness of a Disaster-preparedness Education Program for Pregnant Women

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate a disaster preparedness education program for pregnant women. Method: A gap exists between disaster knowledge and disaster preparedness. Therefore, an educational program was developed to promote preparedness for pregnant women vulnerable to disasters. The program included participation of pregnant women and their partners, learning about disaster preparedness, exercising useful knowledge, implementation at home, and sharing and exchanging information. Changes in the disaster preparedness behaviors and knowledge of 21 women in the intervention group who participated in the program and 40 women in the control group who received a booklet were quantitatively evaluated using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Disaster preparedness behaviors and knowledge increased significantly in both groups, but the increase in the intervention group was more significant compared to the control group and included an increase in more complex items such as communication between families during disasters and confirm evacuation location and priorities. Conclusion: This program may improve disaster preparedness behavior in pregnant women.