School-Based Program for Improving Disaster Preparedness among Indonesian Adolescents in Earthquake Risk Area: A Randomized Control Trial

Background: Indonesia is known as the home of disasters and this condition threatens the safety of the Indonesian people. Strengthening community capacity is still not optimal and school-based programs need to be carried out to prepare the younger generation to face earthquakes. This study aimed to analyze the effect of the school-based program on improving disaster preparedness (SBPIDP) among Indonesian adolescents in the earthquake risk area. Methods: A randomized control trial was performed among 140 (INT=70; CON=70) adolescents in Indonesia in 2022. The SBPIDP lasted for 10 wk providing eight sessions of education and training activities. Data collection tools included a three-part questionnaire that consisted of demographics, knowledge, and self-efficacy for earthquake preparedness. The inter-group and intra-group differences were evaluated using paired t-test analysis, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) used to assess intervention effectiveness. Results: =0.001)). The intervention group showed better preparedness than the control group during the follow-up period. Conclusion: The SBPIDP program can significantly improve disaster preparedness among Indonesian adolescents in earthquake-risk areas.