AUTHOR=Ning Ning , Hu Man , Qiao Jin , Liu Chaojie , Zhao Xiaowen , Xu Wei , Xu Weilan , Zheng Bin , Chen Zhiqiang , Yu Yi , Hao Yanhua , Wu Qunhong 

TITLE=Factors Associated With Individual Emergency Preparedness Behaviors: A Cross-Sectional Survey Among the Public in Three Chinese Provinces

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=9

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2021.644421

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2021.644421

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Introduction:</bold> This study aimed to identify factors associated with individual emergency preparedness behaviors which play an important role in effective emergency response.</p><p><bold>Methods:</bold> Data were drawn from a cross-sectional survey conducted in China's Heilongjiang, Guangdong and Sichuan provinces in 2017. Questionnaires were administered through face-to-face interviews, and 2,506 were valid for data analyses. A structural equation model was established to test the direct and indirect effects of the relevant factors on individual emergency preparedness behaviors.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> Low levels of emergency preparedness were found: 28% of respondents reported being fully/partly prepared. The attitudes of the respondents toward emergency preparedness had the strongest association with emergency preparedness behaviors, with a total effect of 0.483. This was followed by self-efficacy (0.305) and training/exercise (0.295). Risk perception had the weakest effect (0.045) on emergency preparedness behaviors.</p><p><bold>Discussion:</bold> Improving attitudes of the public as well as their ability to prepare for emergency events is important for effective emergency management.</p>