URBAN-RURAL COMPARISON OF SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC PREDICTORS OF COMMUNITY DISASTER PREPAREDNESS IN FIELD PRACTICE AREAS OF A MEDICAL COLLEGE IN WEST BENGAL, INDIA.

Abhishek De; Shibaji Gupta

Volume : X, Issue : VIII, August - 2020

URBAN-RURAL COMPARISON OF SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC PREDICTORS OF COMMUNITY DISASTER PREPAREDNESS IN FIELD PRACTICE AREAS OF A MEDICAL COLLEGE IN WEST BENGAL, INDIA.

Abhishek De, Shibaji Gupta

Abstract :

Background: South Bengal is a multi–hazard prone area. Disaster preparedness at the community level serves to mitigate the far–reaching consequences of disasters. The present study attempts to estimate the state of disaster preparedness in urban and rural communities served by a Medical college of West Bengal and to determine the socio–demographic parameters that could predict adequate disaster preparedness. Methods: 202 eligible individuals each from the rural and urban setting, selected by quota sampling, ¬were interviewed for socio–demographic details and information relating to disaster preparedness. Result: 46.1% had faced a prior disaster. 26.1% thought that their locality was prone to disaster. More than three–quarters relied on newspapers for information. 37.2% had training in first aid and 51.5% had contact information of “rescue functionaries”. Significant predictors of disaster preparedness were Business as occupation, rural residence and Post–primary level of education. Conclusions: Disaster preparedness was low. There was hardly any formulated disaster plan.