The Relationship Between Disaster Literacy Levels of Individuals With Disaster Experience and Their Perceptions of Gender Roles in Disaster Management

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the disaster literacy levels of individuals with disaster experience and their perceptions of gender roles in disaster management. The descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted between 3 January and 1 May 2025, in the central district of a southeastern province of Turkey with 400 participants. Data collection tools included the Participant Introduction Form, the Disaster Literacy Scale (DLS), the Perception of Gender Role on Disaster Management Scale (PGR-DMS) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores. Of the participants, 53% were female, the mean age was 32.71 ± 10.94 and 81% had experienced an earthquake. Women's Perceived Disaster Preparedness (VAS Score—3.67 ± 2.2) was significantly higher than men's (p < 0.05), indicating a higher tendency for women to feel prepared for disasters. Women's DLS and PGR-DMS scores were also statistically significantly higher than men's (p < 0.05). A weak but significant negative correlation was found between DLS and PGR-DMS. In the study, it was observed that higher disaster literacy levels are associated with weaker perceptions of traditional gender roles, and that disaster literacy and preparedness levels tend to be higher in women than in men. These findings demonstrate that community-based disaster education interventions and programs incorporating gender-sensitive approaches can be effective in disaster management.