Evaluation the Preparedness of students of Iran University of Medical Sciences in the field of Natural Hazards

Dowlati, Mohsen; Marzban, Ameneh

doi:https://doi.org/10.61186/hsm.4.4.269

Volume 4, Issue 4 (November 2025) Health Science Monitor 2025, 4(4): 269-275 | Back to browse issues page

‎ https://doi.org/10.61186/hsm.4.4.269

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Dowlati M, Marzban A. Evaluation the Preparedness of students of Iran University of Medical Sciences in the field of Natural Hazards. Health Science Monitor 2025; 4 (4) :269-275
URL: http://hsm.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-234-en.html

Evaluation the Preparedness of students of Iran University of Medical Sciences in the field of Natural Hazards

Mohsen Dowlati

, Ameneh Marzban ^*

Student Research Committee, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran

Abstract: (60 Views)

Background Preparedness before natural disasters is critically important. University students in medical sciences represent the largest group of future healthcare providers and often serve as first responders to disaster-related injuries. This study aimed to assess the level of preparedness for natural hazards among students of Iran University of Medical Sciences.
Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 among students of Iran University of Medical Sciences. A total sample of 680 participants was determined using a statistical formula. Data were collected using a demographic information checklist and a researcher-developed questionnaire on preparedness for natural hazards. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 24, applying descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results The mean overall preparedness score was 18.81 ± 4.61, reflecting a moderate level of readiness. The mean component scores were 5.23 ± 2.21 for floods, 5.31 ± 1.79 for earthquakes, 4.40 ± 1.51 for droughts, and 3.86 ± 2.42 for extreme weather hazards. Overall, 69.3% of students demonstrated a moderate level of general preparedness. A significant association was observed between preparedness scores and prior experience in disaster relief.
Conclusion The findings suggest that students had a moderate level of preparedness for natural hazards. Targeted interventions are required to enhance their readiness. From a public health perspective, incorporating disaster risk reduction training as a standard component of university curricula could improve students’ knowledge and promote behavioral change. This recommendation is particularly relevant for policymakers and academic institutions seeking to strengthen future healthcare response capacity.

Keywords: Hazards, Iran, Natural disasters, Preparedness, Students

Full-Text [PDF 325 kb] (33 Downloads)

Type of Study: Research Article | Subject: Environmental and Occupational Health
Received: 2025/05/1 | Accepted: 2025/11/2 | Published: 2025/11/19

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