ANGELES UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION

Angeles City
College of Nursing
S.Y. 2023 - 2024

2nd Rotation: CHN (BRGY. NINOY AQUINO)

Evidenced - Based Journal

(Current Trends in Disaster Preparedness and Management)

Prepared by:
Chino Deschanel Chavez

BSN 4 - C Group 12

Submitted to:
Mr. Myron L. Roque, RN, MN
Clinical Instructor
 A. TITLE

Research Title: Public perception of climate change and disaster preparedness: Evidence from
the Philippines

Authors: Bollettino, V., Alcayna-Stevens, T., Sharma, M., Dy, P., Pham, P., & Vinck, P.

Date of Acceptance for Publication: October 5, 2020

Date of Submission for the Publication: January 23, 2020

Name of the Journal: Climate Risk Management

Journal Details: Volume Number: n/d

Issue Number: n/d
ISSN Number: n/d
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crm.2020.100250

B. INTRODUCTION

Main Problem Tackled: The study addresses the under-explored relationship between public
perceptions of climate change and disaster preparedness in the Philippines. It seeks to understand
if there is an association between these perceptions and actions taken to prepare for disasters.
Additionally, the research aims to explore various dimensions of disaster preparedness and
identify factors contributing to the association between climate change perception and disaster
preparedness.

Background of the Problem: The Philippines is highly susceptible to disasters due to its
location in the Pacific Ring of Fire, exposing it to seismic and volcanic activity, as well as
frequent typhoons. Climate change poses additional risks, including rising sea levels that impact
coastal communities. Despite the country's vulnerability, there is limited exploration of the
connections between attitudes towards climate change and behaviors related to disaster
preparedness. Previous research has often treated these factors separately, and there is a need for
a more comprehensive understanding of the interplay between climate change perception and
disaster preparedness.

Objectives of the Research:

1. To examine the association between perceptions of climate change and actions taken for
disaster preparedness.
2. To identify various dimensions of disaster preparedness, including socio-demographics,
impact of disasters, knowledge of climate change, and risk perception.
3. To explore factors contributing to the association between climate change perception and
disaster preparedness.
4. To provide a nationwide study encompassing both male and female respondents for a
holistic representation of the population's disaster preparedness activities.

Significance of the Study: The significance of the study lies in its potential to contribute
valuable insights for the development of unified policies and interventions. Understanding the
link between climate change perception and disaster preparedness can help in designing
strategies that mutually reinforce long-term adaptation to climate change and shorter-term
disaster preparedness measures. The research is crucial for policymakers and scientists operating
in the context of the Philippines, consistently ranked as one of the countries most at risk from
climate change. Additionally, the study addresses a gap in the literature, particularly in the
context of developing countries, where increased public concern for climate change needs to be
explored within localized contexts and factors.
 C. METHODOLOGY

Research Respondents: The research targeted a sample of 5,184 adults aged 18 years old and
above from ABCDE households in the Philippines. The ABCDE classification is a formal way of
categorizing households by economic wealth.

Research Design: The study employed a cross-sectional, household-based survey design.

Cross-sectional studies collect data from participants at a single point in time, providing a
snapshot of the population's characteristics and behaviors.

Appropriateness of the Design: The cross-sectional design is appropriate for this study as it
allows for the collection of data at a specific point in time, offering insights into the associations
between perceptions of climate change and disaster preparedness. It is particularly suitable for
exploring the relationships among variables and assessing the prevalence of disaster
preparedness measures within the population.

Method for Data Collection: Data was collected through face-to-face interviews conducted by
trained enumerators. A digital data collection tool was utilized, enhancing efficiency and
accuracy. The survey covered all 18 regions of the Philippines, ensuring representation across the
entire country. The survey instrument was developed through an iterative process involving
collaboration with disaster experts and translation into five languages, promoting inclusivity.

Data Analysis: Descriptive statistics were employed to report unweighted frequencies and
weighted percentages for respondents' knowledge and perceptions of climate change, as well as
self-reported disaster preparedness activities. Bivariate tests, including the chi-square test of
independence and t-tests, were used to assess relationships among categorical and continuous
variables, respectively. The Bonferroni correction method was applied to determine statistical
significance, considering the large number of independent variables.
Regression analyses, specifically forward stepwise binary logistic regression, were utilized to
explore factors associated with disaster preparedness actions. This approach allowed the
development of a model for different types of disaster preparedness (general preparedness,
training, planning, and material investment). Likelihood ratio tests assisted in selecting the final
model, and odds ratios were reported for variables within the model. Statistical packages such as
SPSS version 25.0 and Stata version 16 were employed for data analysis. A p-value < 0.05 was
considered statistically significant, and the Bonferroni correction was applied to address the large
number of predictors.

D. RESULTS

1. Perceptions of climate change:

● The national average shows that most respondents were not well-informed about climate
change.
● Awareness varied across regions, with some regions reporting higher knowledge levels
than others.
● Respondents had different beliefs about the causes of climate change, with varying
percentages attributing it to natural factors, human activity, or a combination of both.

2. Perceived consequences of climate change:

● Respondents were asked about the consequences of climate change, and the perceived
impacts varied by region.
● The consequences included increased temperature, shifting of seasons, heavier rains, and
more intense tropical cyclones.
● Respondents were also asked about changes in their area that might worsen the effects of
disasters, with factors like deforestation, increased poverty, and poor waste disposal being
mentioned.

3. Perception of impacts:
● A majority of respondents believed that their households would be at least somewhat
affected by climate change, with concerns about harm, injury, illness, loss of income, and
damage to crops and property.
 ● Concerns varied by region, with different regions expressing higher levels of concern for
specific impacts.

4. Preparedness activities:
● About 53.1% of Filipinos claimed to have undertaken some form of preparation for
natural disasters in the past five years.
● The text details various preparedness activities, including training, planning, and material
preparations, and provides the percentages of respondents engaging in each.

5. Factors associated with disaster preparedness activities:

● The study examined the relationship between various independent variables
(demographics, experience with disasters, climate change knowledge) and disaster
preparedness activities.
● Factors associated with general preparedness included gender, membership in an
association, wealth, exposure to previous natural hazards, risk perception, climate change
knowledge, previous experience of injury or illness due to a disaster, previous
displacement, and length of residence in the community.

6. General levels of preparedness:

● Significant associations were found between general levels of disaster preparedness and
various factors, including gender, membership in an association, wealth, exposure to
previous natural hazards, risk perception, climate change knowledge, injury or illness due
to a disaster, previous displacement, and length of residence in the community.

E. DISCUSSION

The research reveals substantial regional variations in climate change knowledge,

indicating that 59.9% of Filipinos nationally lack awareness or feel uninformed about climate
change. This national and regional analysis provides a unique contribution to the existing
literature, which often focuses on specific regions rather than the entire country. Notably, the
study aligns with prior research, such as Mercado's work in the BASECO Compound,
emphasizing the positive correlation between climate change awareness and proactive measures
enhancing resilience and adaptive capacity.

A second noteworthy discovery is the association between direct experience with

disasters and higher education levels with increased disaster preparedness. Individuals with
firsthand experience in the past five years or higher education exhibit significantly greater
engagement in preparedness activities and material investments. The study sheds light on the
complex interplay between risk perception, previous displacement, education, and disaster
preparedness. Furthermore, a striking negative relationship emerges between length of residence
in a community and disaster preparedness, challenging previous findings.

Finally, health status emerges as a crucial factor positively influencing disaster planning,
aligning with Eisenman et al.'s observations on the link between poor health and reduced
household preparedness. In essence, the study highlights the multifaceted dynamics shaping
climate change awareness and disaster preparedness in the Philippines, emphasizing the need for
tailored educational and policy interventions.

F. APPLICABILITY OF THE JOURNAL FINDINGS TO THE NURSING

PRACTICE, EDUCATION, AND RESEARCH:

Nursing Practice: Nurses play a crucial role in community health and disaster response. The
study's identification of factors such as health status and previous experience with disasters
influencing disaster preparedness suggests that nurses should integrate climate change awareness
into patient care. Understanding the associations between health and disaster preparedness can
guide nurses in tailoring healthcare plans to address the specific needs of individuals, especially
those vulnerable to climate change-related health risks. Additionally, the positive correlation
between membership in community organizations and disaster preparedness underscores the
importance of community engagement, presenting an opportunity for nurses to actively
participate in community-based health initiatives and disaster preparedness programs.
Nursing Education: The study provides valuable insights for nursing education, highlighting the
need to incorporate climate change awareness and disaster preparedness into nursing curricula.
As the research identifies education as a significant factor influencing preparedness activities,
nursing students can be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to educate
communities on climate change impacts and enhance disaster resilience. Integrating case studies
from the Philippines and other regions facing similar challenges can enhance the cultural
competence of nursing students in addressing climate-related health issues.

Nursing Research: The study opens avenues for further nursing research on the intersection of
climate change, health, and disaster preparedness. Future research could delve deeper into
understanding the specific health impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations,
informing evidence-based nursing interventions. Research exploring the effectiveness of
community-based nursing initiatives in promoting disaster preparedness and resilience would
contribute to the growing body of knowledge in disaster nursing. Moreover, longitudinal studies
tracking the evolving perceptions and responses to climate change among Filipinos can provide
valuable data for ongoing adaptation strategies.