Exploring the People’s Attitude and Knowledge in the Coastal Communities on Disaster Management

Abstract

Coastal communities in the Philippines are very much prone to natural disasters. This descriptive-correlational study which aims to explore the people’s attitude and knowledge in the coastal communities on disaster management was conducted among 198 household heads including barangay health workers and barangay officials of Brgy. Paysawan, Binuangan and Quinawan in Bagac, Bataan. Convenient sampling technique was used in the selection of the respondents which was calculated using Cochran statistical formula. It was revealed from the findings that majority of the respondents are adult, female, are engaged in agricultural jobs, have been residing in the place for more than 10 years and have a monthly family income of Php11,000 to Php20,000. Also, there is a significant difference in the disaster management knowledge and attitude of the respondents when grouped according to age, sex, occupation, years in residence and monthly family income. Moreover, disaster management knowledge had positive significant correlation with attitude of the respondents. The significant relationship between disaster management knowledge and attitude implies that the rise or increase in the knowledge of the community members in coastal areas may result to better attitude towards disaster and disaster management. Hence, continuous formal and informal training on disaster and disaster management must be conducted.