en سلامت محیط و کار Environmental and Occupational Health پژوهشي Research Article <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height:2;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><b>Background</b> 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.<br> <b>Methods</b> 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).<br> <b>Results</b> The mean overall preparedness score was 18.81 &plusmn; 4.61, reflecting a moderate level of readiness. The mean component scores were 5.23 &plusmn; 2.21 for floods, 5.31 &plusmn; 1.79 for earthquakes, 4.40 &plusmn; 1.51 for droughts, and 3.86 &plusmn; 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.<br> <b>Conclusion</b> 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&rsquo; knowledge and promote behavioral change. This recommendation is particularly relevant for policymakers and academic institutions seeking to strengthen future healthcare response capacity.</span></span></span><br> &nbsp;</div> Hazards, Iran, Natural disasters, Preparedness, Students 269 275 http://hsm.umsu.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-67-16&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Mohsen Dowlati mohsendowlati.69@gmail.com 10031947532846004704 10031947532846004704 No Health Management and Economics Research Center, Health Management Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ameneh Marzban amenemarzban@yahoo.com 10031947532846004705 10031947532846004705 Yes Student Research Committee, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran