The effect of earthquake preparedness training to male high school students on familie's preparedness in Eshtehard city in 2010-2011

Due to the seismic fault lines in Iran, it is prone to earthquakes (about 93%). Earthquake is one of the most frightening, destructive and non-predictable natural phenomena. Thus, community awareness and preparedness is the one of the ways to reduce casualties and damage caused by the earthquakes. This study aims to assess the effect of students’ earthquake preparedness program on their families’ preparedness in probable earthquake. In this quasi-experimental study, all male high school students in second year (117) were examined by using census sampling in Eshtehard city. Then, two control and intervention groups assigned randomly. Thus, families were divided into two intervention and control groups. The questionnaire has been developed based on related references and after being validated and evaluated for reliability (kappa coefficient 0.8802), it was filled by family of students. The questionnaire was completed in three stages, and data were analyzed by SPSS-18 and descriptive and inferential statistical tests were employed in 5% significant level. Among all participants (117), 64 persons (54.7%) and 53 ones (45.3%) were randomly assigned in control and experimental groups respectively. The mean of knowledge (p=0.007) and skill (p=0.011) were significantly high in experimental group in posttest. Moreover, the mean of concern index, skill and knowledge was significantly higher than control group (p<0.05). Finally, interventions increased the level of major indices of the study (knowledge and attitude). The results showed that families had a little knowledge and skill about earthquake that indicated lack of preparation at the time of earthquake. So, students’ continuing education is recommended for families’ preparedness against earthquake after intervention (students’ training). In addition, further studies are warranted as direct intervention and training on families and female students.