Developing a scale of factors affecting earthquake preparedness behaviors based on the extended model of the protection motivation theory

In order to determine the factors affecting individual earthquake preparedness decisions, a study was carried out to develop the Factors Affecting Earthquake Preparedness Behaviors Scale, based on the revised and expanded model of the Protection Motivation Theory in 1983, in order to examine the implementation of risk reduction measures by individuals living in areas with high earthquake risk. A methodological research design was used in terms of scale development, and a descriptive research design was used to reveal the factors affecting earthquake preparedness behaviors in individuals. Scale development was carried out in two processes, including the pilot and main application. In this study, 50 participants were reached in the pilot application. After the pilot application, a total of 826 participants from 11 neighborhoods selected by the draft scale cluster sampling method in the main application were reached between 12.12.2022-02.05.2023. IBM SPSS Statistics 25 and AMOS 24.0 packages were used to analyze the data. After removing extreme values, demographic variables and scale items were evaluated with 804 data. For the construct validity of the scale, Explanatory Factor Analysis was performed on the data taken from the first group of 402 people, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis was performed on the data taken from the second group of 402 people. The final version of the scale consists of 24 items in four dimensions. The overall Cronbach's alpha value is 0,883, which is above 0,7 for each dimension. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value is 0,898, the Bartlett test of sphericity is significant and the total variance explained is 51%. Confirmatory factor analysis results showed that the measurement and structural model had a good fit. (χ2/df = 1,779; RMSEA = 0,44; CFI = 0,96; NFI = 0,91; TLI = 0,95; p <0,001). Findings showed that the Factors Affecting Earthquake Preparedness Behaviors scale is a scale with proven validity and reliability to reveal the factors affecting people's participation in earthquake preparedness behaviors. As a result of the study, it was determined that perceived competence was the most important factor in individuals' participation in earthquake preparedness behaviors.