Knowledge, attitudes and behaviors regarding disaster emergency situations of 6th grade students at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University Faculty of Medicine

Objective: This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of 6th grade students attending the Faculty of Medicine at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University regarding disaster emergency situations and to examine their readiness levels for disasters along with certain factors. Materials and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional descriptive research conducted with 162 sixth-grade students enrolled in the Faculty of Medicine at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University between 01.10.2023 and 01.04.2024. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of two parts: the first part comprising 15 questions on sociodemographic information and the second part comprising a 33-item questionnaire based on the health belief model for individual preparedness for emergencies/disasters. Results: Among the students who participated in our study, 45.7% were male and 54.3% were female. It was found that those who received training or courses on disaster medicine, those who participated in drills or practices related to disasters or unusual situations, and those who possessed emergency kits were significantly more prepared for disasters compared to those who did not. Conclusions: The preparedness levels of the students participating in our study were evaluated, and it was found that the mean total score of the health belief scale was 119.57 ± 11.68, indicating a level above moderate. It was observed that preparedness for disasters was influenced by factors such as receiving training or courses in disaster medicine and participating in drills or practices related to disasters. Incorporating disaster medicine and management topics into curricula, increasing basic disaster training and courses, and regularly conducting disaster drills and practices would be beneficial. Keywords: Disaster, Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Awareness, Disaster Medicine, Medical Students