Prevalence of Fatalistic Attitudes toward Earthquake Disaster Risk Management in Citizens of Tehran, Iran

The probability of earthquake in Tehran, large population and congestion in this city and unequal distribution of the population has increased the vulnerability of Tehran to the earthquake. One of the methods for reducing vulnerability is development of Disaster Preparedness Behavior (DPB). Fatalistic beliefs have a special effect on DPB. This study has evaluated the prevalence of religious and fatalistic beliefs to explain the people's needs in decreasing vulnerability and promoting their DPB during earthquakes. This study was a survey from October 21 to November 7, 2013. Data was gathered using questionnaire and survey during two weeks in 22 regions of Tehran. The study population consisted of the Tehran citizens aged >= 18 years old. Sampling was performed by Probability Proportional Size (PPS) sampling. A total of 1312 samples were included in the study. Among those participants who answered the question indicating their religion 99.5 %(963 persons) stated that they were Muslims. While 68.9% of participants had religious attitude toward earthquake crisis management, 57.9% did not have fatalistic views in this regard. However, 48.2% of participants expressed scientific approach toward earthquake crisis management.. In order to control fatalistic beliefs in earthquake disaster management and promote the people's DPB, the managers and policymakers are required to adopt proper strategies in this regard to increase education and train people to behave correctly, associate with their religious beliefs.