Evaluation of disaster preparedness levels of persons with disabilities in the context of social exclusion and life satisfaction: A mixed method research

This study aims to examine the disaster preparedness levels of individuals with disabilities living in the Marmara Region within the context of social exclusion and life satisfaction. The study evaluates, from a holistic perspective, the relationships between disaster-related beliefs, experiences of social exclusion, and levels of life satisfaction among individuals with disabilities. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, employing a concurrent triangulation strategy in which quantitative and qualitative data were collected simultaneously and subsequently analysed. The quantitative dimension utilized a relational survey model, while the qualitative dimension was structured through a phenomenological design. The study population consisted of individuals with disabilities residing in the Marmara Region who were over the age of 18, possessed a disability rate of 40% or above, and had no intellectual disability. In the quantitative phase, data were collected via questionnaires from 392 participants recruited through snowball sampling. The data collection instruments included the Personal Information Form, the General Disaster Preparedness Belief Scale, the Social Exclusion Scale for the Persons with Disabilities, and the Life Satisfaction Scale. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS 25. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 participants, selected voluntarily from the quantitative sample. The interview data were analysed through thematic analysis with the aid of MAXQDA 24 qualitative data analysis software. Quantitative findings indicated that individuals with disabilities demonstrated moderate-to-high levels of disaster preparedness beliefs, low-to-moderate levels of social exclusion, and low levels of life satisfaction. Correlation analyses revealed that increased social exclusion was associated with decreased disaster preparedness beliefs, while life satisfaction showed a significant negative relationship with disaster preparedness. Furthermore, socio-demographic variables (gender, income level, educational attainment, type of disability, and living environment) were found to significantly differentiate both disaster preparedness beliefs and levels of social exclusion and life satisfaction. Qualitative findings revealed that participants predominantly associated the concept of disaster with fear, helplessness, and uncertainty. Participants reported barriers to disaster preparedness such as lack of knowledge, accessibility challenges, economic deprivation, and experiences of social exclusion. Conversely, solidarity, individual effort, and social support mechanisms were emphasized as critical in coping with disasters. The findings overall highlight that disaster preparedness among individuals with disabilities is closely related not only to physical and technical preparations but also to psychosocial factors such as social exclusion and life satisfaction. The study underscores the necessity of developing accessible, inclusive, and rights-based disaster management policies for individuals with disabilities. From a social work perspective, ensuring the active participation of individuals with disabilities in disaster preparedness processes, strengthening their social integration, and expanding psychosocial support services are of vital importance.