School-based programmes to prepare children for disasters caused by natural hazards
Citation: Seddighi H, Sajjadi H, Yousefzadeh S, et al. School-Based Education Programs for Preparing Children for Natural Hazards: A Systematic Review. Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness. 2022;16(3):1229–41.
Language: Abstract and full text available in EN.
Free to view: No
Funding sources: University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences (Iran).
What is this? In this systematic review, the authors searched for peer-reviewed articles that examined the process and effect of school-based education among children for disasters caused by natural hazards. They searched in October 2020 for studies published in English since 2000 and found 61 articles. This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO, number CRD 42020146536.
What was found: Children’s preparedness for disasters caused by natural hazards was influenced by their perception of risk, and access to educational resources and psychological care. Perceptions of low risk were associated with being less prepared. School-based education among children aged 6-18 years can raise awareness about disasters caused by natural hazards, however, it may not translate to disaster preparedness.
Implications: The authors of the review stated that education programmes for disasters caused by natural hazards should use multiple methods and have continuity. They recommended that future studies of preparedness education consider gender, diversity, and socioeconomic positions among children. More research should focus on children’s preparedness in Africa, North America, and South America.
Other considerations: The authors of the review discussed their findings in the context of age, gender, and place of residence.
This summary was prepared by Grace Meng, checked by Briann Mensour, and finalized by William Summerskill.