Effectiveness of disaster preparedness education in helping older people prevent isolation

Objective: This study intends to clarify the effect of regional disaster preparedness education on efforts to prevent the isolation of older people in the event of a disaster. Design and Sample: This quasi-experimental study involved participants aged 65 and above. The intervention group (n = 35) and the comparison group (n = 61) were compared in the first survey and another one month later. Measurements: The survey items assessed aspects such as awareness of and actions related to isolation preparedness, and awareness of support needed by others in the event of a disaster. The results were compared between the two groups. Intervention: The educational program was based on the transtheoretical model of health behavior change and focused on preventing isolation in the event of a disaster, by connecting vulnerable people with their neighbors. Puppet shows and group work were used as part of the program. Results: A month after the program implementation, the intervention group had significantly higher awareness of and actions related to isolation preparedness than the comparison group. Conclusions: Disaster preparedness education invokes a responsibility toward the prevention of isolation in the disaster and perceives it as a community issue and encourages individuals to support others.