The development of a disaster risk communication and safety scale for university students and the impact of riskcommunication on safety

Disaster-related information processes and safety perceptions of university students play a key role in strengthening disaster preparedness and social resilience. The aim of this study is to develop two original measurement scales to assess Disaster Risk Communication and Disaster Safety Perception among university students and to examine the relationship between these two constructs. The study was conducted using a quantitative research design. Data were collected through a questionnaire from 845 students studying at the Faculty of Health Sciences of Gümüşhane University during the 2023–2024 academic year. The University Students Disaster Risk Communication Scale consists of 6 items, and the University Students Disaster Safety Scale consists of 7 items; both scales are structured as 5-point Likert-type scales. Validity and reliability analyses were conducted, and the data were analyzed using correlation, regression, and group comparison analyses. The findings reveal a positive relationship between disaster risk communication and disaster safety perception. Male students report higher levels of disaster safety perception than female students. Senior students and students who received disaster education demonstrate higher levels of disaster risk communication. Departmental comparisons show higher levels of both dimensions among Health Management students, while Nursing and Social Work students report lower levels. Students whose homes were damaged and those psychologically affected by disasters report lower safety perceptions. In conclusion, disaster risk communication plays a direct role in shaping students' safety perceptions and supports the need for continuous and structured disaster preparedness strategies in university settings.