Assessing disaster management preparedness: a cross-sectional analysis of local government unit employees in Digos City, Philippines

Abstract

This study assessed the perceived disaster preparedness of local government employees in Digos City, Philippines, and examined demographic variations. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, utilizing stratified random sampling to gather data from 218 employees through a standardized survey questionnaire. The instrument measured three dimensions: disaster knowledge, disaster skills, and family preparedness. Findings revealed a high overall level of perceived preparedness. Among the dimensions, family preparedness scored highest, followed by disaster skills and disaster knowledge. Statistical analysis using the Kruskal-Wallis test indicated no significant differences in perception based on age or most categories of marital status. However, a significant disparity was found between male and female respondents, identifying gender as a notable factor influencing preparedness perceptions. The study concludes that while local government employees in Digos City perceive themselves as highly prepared, this perception is not uniform across genders. This underscores the necessity for disaster management policies and training programs to integrate a gender-sensitive approach. Investing in the targeted capacity-building of this frontline workforce is crucial for enhancing overall community resilience.