KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES ON DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

AND MANAGEMENT OF NURSING STUDENTS AT

EASTERN SAMAR STATE UNIVERSITY

A Research Proposal Presented to the College of Nursing and Allied Science of

Eastern Samar State University

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in

Nursing Research 1 (NCM 311) for the
Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing

ROSALEJOS, CHLOIE MARIE C.

PAGAYANAN, AIRA MAE C.
LADERA, MYKA ROVEE Q
NICART, DOMINIC

January 2021
 Chapter I

Introduction

Background of the Study

Currently, the incidence of disasters are the biggest catastrophes that threaten

people’s livelihoods, health, and even lives. This situation provides the challenge for

healthcare professionals, particularly public health nurses to be actively involved in

disaster management.

396 natural disasters, 11,755 deaths, 95 million people affected, and 103 billion

economic losses across the world. Asia suffered the highest impact and accounted for

40% of disaster events, 45% of deaths and 74% of the total affected (Center of

Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, 2020).

According to UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (2019), Philippines ranked

third among all of the countries with the highest disaster risks. At least 60% of the

country’s total land area is exposed to multiple hazards, and 74% of the population is

susceptible to their impact (GFDRR, 2017). The geographical location of the Philippines

makes the country uniquely exposed to a plethora of hazards, including recurrent

typhoons, earthquakes and 53 active volcanoes, eruptions of which are classified as the

most deadly and costly globally (Doroteo, 2015).

Borongan City, located along the middle coastal part of the province of Eastern

Samar is bounded in the east by the Pacific Ocean, where greatest number of tropical

storms and cyclones generates.

 Since nurses are the highest number of healthcare providers, they are

required to play the major rule in disaster management (WHO, 2006). Historically, since

the nursing era of Florence Nightingale, nurse have been allocating several roles in

disaster management (Jakeway, LaRosa, Cary, & Schienfisch, 2008) because of the

nurses’ qualification assessment skills, priority settings, communication, collaboration,

and also considered critical thinkers who can make essential decision in emergency

situations (Stanley, 2005).

The nursing profession, working together with the local government and other

individual agencies such as the DILG, DSWD, etc., is essential to achieving the national

preparedness goal of having secured and disaster-resilient communities (Heide and

Scanlon, 2007).

Nursing curricula should incorporate basic principles of disaster management

into nursing courses (Labrague L., Yboa B., Petitte, D., Lobrino, L., Brennan, M., 2015).

Furthermore, CMO No 15 S 2017 mandates the incorporation of NCM 121 Disaster

Nursing (2 units lecture, 1 unit lab) as a course subject for Bachelor of Science in

Nursing. Through this, future nurses would be adequately equipped with the knowledge

and skills to respond to disasters, starting from their pre-service training to their in-

service professional training.

In addition, Republic Act 10121, known as the "Philippine Disaster Risk

Reduction and Management Act of 2010 states the utilization of education to build

resiliency was given priority. Section 14 of the Act tasked the DepEd, CHED, and

TESDA to incorporate DRRM in the school curricula, both public and private.
 Thus, this study ascertains the extent of the practice of DRRM measures

of Nursing students in Eastern Samar State University. The focus of the assessment

includes the three areas: knowledge, attitudes and practices. The study will also explore

the relationship between the demographic data of the respondents which includes their

age, sex, and year level, to their knowledge and attitudes towards disaster risk

reduction and management.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Knowledge on Disaster
Risk Reduction and
Management
Demographic Profile

Age
Sex
Year Level

Attitudes on Disaster
Risk Reduction and
Management

Figure 1. Conceptual Framew ork in Paradigm

In this study, the variables include the demographic profile of nursing students,

which consists of: age, sex, and year level.

A.) Age

The first variable in the demographic profile of the respondents is age. Age may

affect knowledge on and attitudes towards disaster risk reduction and management. A

study conducted by Taghizadeh, Hosseini, Navidi, Mahaki, Ammari & Ardalan (2012)

entitled “Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Tehran’s Inhabitants for an Earthquake and

Related Determinants” reveals that age of the participants does not only affect their

knowledge but also their attitudes regarding disaster preparedness during earthquakes.

Knowledge is expected to increase through time as a person gains experiences as

he/she ages. The study of Staudinger (1999) suggests that other factors such as decrease in

intellectual functioning and changes in personality make-up may affect knowledge as a person

grows older.

B.) Sex

Another variable in the demographic profile is sex, or the state of being male or

female. A significant relationship between sex and knowledge on disaster risk reduction

is shown in the study of Tuladhar, Yatabe, Dahal & Bhandary (2015) entitled

“Assessment of disaster risk reduction knowledge of school teachers in Nepal.”

Moreover, another study conducted by Ganpatrao (2014) revealed that females are

comparatively more knowledgeable on disaster management that males.

C.) Year Level

The study of Muttarak & Pothisiri (2012), entitled “The Role of Education on

Disaster Preparedness: Case Study of 2012 Indian Ocean Earthquakes on Thailand’s

Andaman Coast Raya” found that the average education level in a village is highly

correlated with disaster preparedness. The study further states that respondents with
tertiary education are more likely to be prepared that those with no or with only

elementary education. This mean that the year level of the students is essential in a way

that it is related to disaster preparedness.

Statement of the Problem

The study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices on disaster risk

reduction and management of the nursing students during natural calamities.

Specifically, it aims to answer the following questions:

1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of:

a. age

b. gender

c. year level

2. What is the level of knowledge of nursing students on disaster risk reduction and

management for natural calamities?

3. What is the attitude level of nursing students towards disaster risk reduction and

management for natural calamities?

4. What programs and activities on disaster risk reduction and management

guidelines are practiced/ is being practiced by nursing students?

5. What is the relationship of the demographic profile of the nursing students to their

level of knowledge on disaster risk reduction and management for natural

calamities?
 6. What is the relationship of the demographic profile of the nursing students to their

attitude towards disaster risk reduction and management?

Objectives of the Study

The primary objectives of the study is to assess the knowledge, attitudes and

practices of nursing students at Eastern Samar State University (A.Y. 2020-2021) on

disaster risk reduction and management during natural calamities.

Specifically, its objectives are:

1. To determine the relationship of the socio-demographic profile of respondents to

their level of knowledge on disaster risk reduction and management for natural

calamities.

2. To determine the relationship of the socio-demographic profile of the

respondents to their attitude towards disaster risk reduction and management.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

To the respondents/ nursing students

 Through this study, aspiring nurses of Eastern Samar State University would be

adequately equipped with the knowledge and skills to respond during disasters. The

data gathered and interpreted will encourage the respondents to evaluate and/or

improve their knowledge, attitude and practices towards disaster risk reduction and

management as well as rehabilitation and recovery that will be useful and significant

within the profession.

To the University

This research study will be able to raise awareness to the university on the need

of being prepared during natural calamities. It will also provide information on disaster

risk reduction and management during natural calamities. Through this, improvements

can be made on the knowledge, attitude, and practices of the students within the

campus. The study might also be utilized towards disaster resilience of the university

towards natural calamities as an institution.

To the local government unit

This research study will provide the municipal officials information on how well

the academic institutions particularly students respond on future calamities. This study

can also be used as basis for them to generate activities or programs that will enhance

the knowledge and practices of students on disaster risk reduction and management. It

may also encourage the LGU to improve the DRRM practices within the city.

To the Municipal Health Office/RHU Staff

 This study can be used as an academic source by the health team to plan for

trainings that will enrich the knowledge and skills of students on administering first aid.

To the Researchers

This study will be able to assess the researchers’ knowledge and skills on

disaster risk reduction and management. As future nurses serving in the community, the

researches will be able to learn what DRRM measures to apply in the community in

case a disaster/natural calamity occurs.

SCOPE AND LIMITATION

This study is focused on the assessment and interpretation of the level of

knowledge, attitude, and practices of the respondents based from the DRRM guidelines

of the National DRRM plan. The respondent of the study is only limited to nursing

students enrolled in Eastern Samar State University (academic year 2020-2021).

The study also encompasses the determination of the relationship between the

demographic data of the respondents which includes their age, sex, and year level, to

their knowledge and attitudes towards disaster risk reduction and management.

The study will use a guided interview using a modified questionnaire from several

research studies similar with the research being conducted. The focus of the

assessment includes the three areas: knowledge, attitudes and practices.

DEFINITION OF TERMS
 Attitude, as defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is a feeling or way of

thinking that affects behavior. In this study, attitude refers to the way of thinking

of barangay officials in baler regarding DRRM.

 Bachelor of Science in Nursing, refers to someone who has earned a

bachelor's in nursing in addition to earning registered nurse licensure.

 Barangay is a small territorial and administrative distinct forming the most local

level of government.

 Disaster risk is defined by United Nations Office for disaster risk reduction as

the potential disaster losses, in lives, health status, livelihood, assets and

services, which could occur to a particular community or a society over some

specified future time period. In this study, it refers to the possible harms brought

about by the calamity. The study operationally uses this same definition but is

specific on disaster risk for natural disasters.

 Disaster risk management, according to the United Nations office for disaster

risk reduction (UNISDR), is the systematic process of using administrative

directives, organizations, and operational skills and capacities to implement

strategies, policies and improved coping capacities in order to lessen the adverse

impacts of hazards and possibility of disaster. It is used the same operationally in

this study, but specifically refers to the disaster risk management during natural

disasters only.

 Disaster risk reduction, defined by the United Nations office for disaster risk

reduction (UNISDR), is the concept and practice of reducing disaster risks

through systematic efforts to analyze and manage the causal factors of disasters,
 including through reduced exposure to hazards, lessened vulnerability of people

and property, wise management of land and the environment, and improved

preparedness for adverse events. The same definition is used operationally in

this study but disaster specifically refers to natural disasters only.

 Knowledge, defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is the fact or condition

of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience or association.

In this study, it is used the same operationally but refers to the knowledge

specifically on DRRM.

 Natural disasters/calamities are defined by the UN as the consequences of

events triggered by natural hazards that seriously affect the social and economic

development of a region. Similar definition is used operationally in this study.

 Nursing students, a student in a post-secondary educational program that leads

to certification and licensing to practice nursing, usually as part of a program

administered by a nursing school. The title 'nursing student' usually applies

to students enrolled in an RN or practical nurse program.

 Practices are defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary as a repeated or

customary action or a usual way of doing something. In this study, practices refer

to the usual actions of barangay officials in baler aurora during natural disasters.

Abbreviations

 AADMER (Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency

Response)

 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)

 A.Y. (Academic Year)

 BDC (Barangay Development Council)

 CDRRMO (City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management)

 CHED (Commission on Higher Education)

 CMO (Ched Memorandum Order)

 DENR (Department of Energy and Resources)

 DepED (Department of Education)

 DOH (Department of Health)

 DOST (Department of Science and Technology)

 DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways)

 DRRM (Disaster Risk Reduction and Management)

 DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government)

 DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development)

 ESSU (Eastern Samar State University)

 IRR (Implementing Rules and Regulations)

 LGU (Local Government Unit)

 MDRRMO (Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management)

 NEDA (National Economic and Development Authority)

 NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council)

 NHA (National Housing Authority)

 OCD (Office of Civil Defense)

 OFDA (Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance)

 PDRRMC (Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council)

 PIA (Philippine Information Agency)

 R.A. (Republic Act)

 RDRRMC (Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council)

 RHU (Rural Health Unit)

 TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority)

 UNISDR (United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction)

 WHO (World Health Organization)

Dear Respondents;

Greetings!

We, the undersigned, are researchers and a third year student of Bachelor of Science in Nursing
in Eastern Samar State University. In connection to this, we are conducting a research study entitled
“Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Nursing Students on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
in Eastern Samar State University” as a course requirement in Nursing Research 1 (NCM 311) for the
degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The respondent/s of this study includes all the students enrolled
in Bachelor of Science in Nursing for the academic year 2020-2021.

Furthermore, we would like to ask your help to spare your valuable time to answer and supply
the necessary information needed in regards with the study. As physical contact is temporary
unavailable due to pandemic, the questionnaire is accessible and provided through this link on the
internet: (link:_______________).

Rest assured that all the information gathered will be held in strict and utmost confidentiality in
accordance to Data Privacy Act of 2012 or the Republic Act 10173. In addition, the data will be tallied
and eventually be interpreted to come up with a profound conclusion regarding the assessment of
Nursing student’s knowledge, attitude, and practices on disaster risk reduction and management.
Ultimately, as one of the main constituents in our study, a copy of the finished research paper will be
given afterwards academic and research purposes.

It is our privilege to have your participation as our research respondent/s.

Truly yours,

Rosalejos, Chloie Marie C.

Pagayanan, Aira Mae C.
Ladera, Myka Rovee Q.
Nicart, Dominic

BSN 3 Researchers
Noted by:

DR. FLORES B. STA. CRUZ

Research Instructor/Dean of College of Nursing & Allied Sciences

ROGEL BERT A. BAILLO

Research Adviser

DR. MA. LYNNE C. PARAMBITA

Program Head of College of Nursing & Allied Sciences
DR. FLORES B. STA. CRUZ
Dean, College of Nursing & Allied Sciences
Eastern Samar State University
Maypangdan, Borongan City
6800

Dear Ma’am;

Greetings! We, the undersigned, are researchers and a third year student of Bachelor of Science
in Nursing in Eastern Samar State University. In connection to this, we are conducting a research study
entitled “Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Nursing Students on Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management in Eastern Samar State University” as a course requirement in Nursing Research 1 (NCM
311) for the degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The respondent/s of this study includes all the
students enrolled in Bachelor of Science in Nursing for the academic year 2020-2021.

Furthermore, we would like to ask assistance and approval of your good office to conduct the
data gathering and collection on (date_________). As physical contact is temporary unavailable due to
pandemic, the questionnaire is accessible and provided through this link on the internet in which the
respondents can answer and supply the necessary information needed in regards with the study:
(link:_______________)

Rest assured that all the information gathered will be held in strict and utmost confidentiality in
accordance to Data Privacy Act of 2012 or the Republic Act 10173. In addition, the data will be tallied
and eventually be interpreted to come up with a profound conclusion regarding the assessment of
Nursing student’s knowledge, attitude, and practices on disaster risk reduction and management.
Ultimately, as one of the main constituents in our study, a copy of the finished research paper will be
given afterwards for academic and research purposes.

Your participation is very much appreciated.

Truly yours,

Rosalejos, Chloie Marie C.

Pagayanan, Aira Mae C.
Ladera, Myka Rovee Q.
Nicart, Dominic
BSN 3 Researchers
Noted by:

DR. FLORES B. STA. CRUZ

Research Instructor/Dean of College of Nursing & Allied Sciences
ROGEL BERT A. BAILLO
Research Adviser
DR. MA. LYNNE C. PARAMBITA
Program Head of College of Nursing & Allied Sciences
 Chapter II

Review of Related Literature and Studies

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

DISASTER PROFILE OF PHILIPPINES, EASTERN SAMAR AND BORONGAN CITY

The Philippines consists of 7, 107 islands and span about 1, 850 kilometers from

north to south (Commission on Audit, 2014). It has a total land area of 300, 000 square

kilometers with a coastline of about 36 thousand kilometers, one of the longest

coastlines in the world. This country is bounded by three large bodies of water: South

China Sea (on the west and north), the Pacific Ocean (on the east), and the Celebes

Sea (on the South) (Philippine Disaster Management System, 2006).

Situated along two major tectonic plates of the world- the Eurasian and Pacific

plates, the country experiences an average of 20 earthquakes per day or 100 to 200

earthquakes every year. In the past 400 years, there have been 90 destructive

earthquakes recorded in the country (Commission on Audit, 2014).

In addition, threat to volcanic eruptions is high because the country has about

300 volcanoes with 22 active ones (Philippine Disaster Management System, 2006).

The country also has a high vulnerability to tsunamis due to its 36 thousand

kilometer coastline (Philippine Disaster Management System, 2006).

Due to the country’s location along the pacific ring of fire or typhoon belt, tropical

cyclones or typhoons also pose a great threat to the country. An average of 20 typhoon

strikes the country every year where in five of which are destructive with one fourth of it
having high wind speeds up to 200 kilometers per hour (Philippine Disaster

Management System, 2006 & Commission on Audit, 2014).

Annual average direct damage due to disasters in the country from 1970 to 2006

ranged from Php 5 billion to Php 15 billion, which is equivalent to more than 0.5% of the

national GDP; this excludes indirect and secondary impacts (Philippine Disaster

Management System, 2006). Aside from these economic effects, natural disasters claim

1002 casualties per year (Commission on Audit, 2014).

According to the Geneva-based United Nations office for Disaster Risk Reduction

(UNISDR), the country was one of the top five countries worldwide struck by the biggest

number of weather-related calamities with record of at least 274 typhoons and other

natural disasters from 1995 to 2015 (Philippine Daily Inquirer, 2015).

Furthermore, studies from EM-DAT: the OFDA/CRED International Disaster

Database claims that total of 565 disasters struck the Philippines from 1900 to 2014.

About 1.8 million people were affected and about 69 thousand were killed. Economic

lost due to the disasters amounted to about 22 Million US dollars. For further

information, the disaster trend in the Philippines is increasing, not only by the total

number of people affected but also the impacts of disaster trends by estimate damage.

The following are the list of disasters that struck the Philippines in order of

highest incidence, storm having the highest incidence of 314: storm, flood, mass

movement, earthquakes, volcanic eruption, epidemic, drought, insect infestation, and

wildfire (EM-DAT: the OFDA/CRED International Disaster Database, 2014).

Eastern Samar is a province in the Philippines located in the Eastern Visayas

region. It occupies the eastern portion of the island of Samar. Bordering the province to
the north is the province of Northern Samar and to the west is Samar province. To the

east lies the Philippine Sea, part of the vast Pacific Ocean, while to the south lies the

Leyte Gulf. It is composed of a city and 22 municipalities.

The province is parallel to the Philippine trench, the tsunami hazard along the

coast of Eastern Visayas region that may be generated from the Philippine trench

subduction zone. An apparent seismic gap was observed in this segment where no

large earthquakes occurred in the last 400 years. The tremendous case, tsunami

caused by the 2012 intraplate earthquake (M7.6) occurred on the East coast of Guiuan,

Eastern Samar province that produced a small amplitude of tsunami. The generated

maximum uplift and subsidence for the maximum credible scenario were 1.06m and

0.26m while those for the 2012 event were 0.53m and 0.04m. (Camero, D., 2015).

Continuous shaking of tectonic plates and faults caused by the subduction zone

in the east of the province. Eventually results to risk of landslides and destruction of

infrastructures within the province.

The province’s geographic location increases its risk for the incidence of

typhoons and flooding in the area. Recently, a typhoon packed maximum sustained

winds of up to 155 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 255 kph had landfall

in the province causing the northern municipalities of the province wiped out by

flashflood. Thousands of houses have been destroyed by fierce winds, flooding, and

violent waves. The typhoon’s damage to agriculture has already reached PHP912.6

million and about PHP41 million worth of public infrastructure was destroyed by strong

winds. This calamity displaced 34,235 families in the nine towns with half of them
moved to higher grounds during the height of the typhoon. There was reported that at

least three people died during the typhoon — one in San Policarpo town who was hit by

shattered glasses causing loss of blood and two in Oras town who suffered from heart

attack (Amazona, R., 2020).

Considering all factors, the combined geographical disasters risk in the province

is deemed very high.

Borongan city, the capital town of Eastern Samar is composed of 61 barangays

with three islands barangays namely Ando, Monbon and Divinubo(Borongan City

Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, 2016). In the past years, several tropical

typhoons were reported in the city. A severe case on the year 2013(typhoon Yolanda)

and 2014(typhoon Ruby), causing rising of river and sea levels, flooding several

barangays in the City and even caused casualties. Thus, the city can be classified to

moderate susceptible to flooding. The barangays near the coastal areas of Borongan

are the most vulnerable to high storm surges. This is because it has the characteristic of

gently sloping coast. The barangays which are located near the riverside are also

subjected to inundation.

DISASTER

Disaster owes its origin from the French word ‘Desastre’, a combination of two

word ‘Des’ which means bad and ‘Aster’ which means star; thus the term disaster refers

to a ‘bad or evil star’. As defined by the English Oxford Dictionary is a sudden great

misfortune. It is a sudden calamitous event producing a great material damage and

distress as defined by Miriam Webster’s.

 The UNISDR defines disaster as: “serious disruption of the functioning of a

community or a society causing widespread human, material, economic or

environmental losses which exceed the ability of the affected community or society to

cope using its own resources.” It results from the combination of exposure to hazard,

vulnerability and insufficient capacity or measures to reduce risks (UNISDR, 2009).

Hazard may be defined as a dangerous condition that have the potential for

causing injury to life or damage to property or the environment (UNISDR, 2009).

Hazards may be natural or man-made. Natural hazards are natural in origin such as

cyclones, tsunamis, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Manmade hazards are caused

by human negligence such as explosions, leakage of toxic waste, pollution, dam failure,

wars or civil strife and many others (Singh & Dey, 2016).

A disaster happens when a hazard causes damage, casualties and disruption on

the vulnerable population (Singh & Dey, 2016). General impacts of disasters include the

following: loss of life, injury, damage to and destruction of property, damage to and

destruction of subsistence and cash crops, disruption of production, disruption of

lifestyle, loss of livelihood, disruption of essential services, damage to national

infrastructure and disruption of governmental systems, national economic loss and

sociological and psychological after effects (Carter, 2008).

FORMS OF DISASTER

The most common and most devastating disasters in the country come from

natural hazards. Data from the OFDA/CRED International Disaster Database shows the

types of natural disasters that occurred in the Philippines from 1900 to 2014 include:
drought, earthquakes, epidemic, flood, insect infestation, mass movement, storm,

volcanic eruptions and wildfires. Storms have the highest incidence followed by flood

(Commission on Audit, 2014).

Drought, the absence of deficiency of rainfall in a geographical region for an

extended period of time, causes general suffering in the society. Its impacts slowly

accumulate over a considerable period of time. Agriculture which is dependent in soil

moisture is first affected in drought. It then slowly affects the community as drinking

water availability diminishes. Moreover, reduced energy production, food shortage,

health reduction and loss of life, increased poverty, reduced quality of life and social

unrest may lead to migration (Singh & Dey, 2016).

An earthquake, the sudden shaking of the earth crust is one of the most

destructive natural hazards. Its occurrence is sudden and is usually without warning

(Carter, 2008). Primary adverse effects include damage to buildings, structures and

infrastructures (Singh & Dey, 2016). Secondary adverse effects include fires, dam

failure and landslides which may block water ways and also cause flooding. Damage to

facilities using of manufacturing dangerous materials may result in possible chemical

spills. Communication facilities may also be broken down due to earthquakes (Singh &

Dey, 2016).

A tsunami, also called a Seismic Sea Wave, is a phenomenon where sea water

is displaced, inundating the land with a great destructive power. Displacement of water

is due to geological movements specifically: fault movement on sea floor, a landslide

either occurring underwater or originating above the sea and a volcanic activity.

Adverse effects include; saltwater contamination of crops, soil, and water supplies; and
destruction of or damage to buildings, structures, and shoreline vegetation. It also has

an impact on the public health system. Deaths are mainly due to drowning, of being

washed away or crushed by the giant waves and debris. Though damage to ports and

airports may prevent importation of needed food and medical supplies, there are very

few evidences which show that tsunami flood has caused large scale health problems

(Singh & Dey, 2016).

A landslide refers to the downward and outward movement of slopes composed

of rocks, soils, artificial fills, or combination of all this materials. Impact most commonly

affects structures, buildings, roads and communication lines built near the slopes. Crops

may be affected as areas of crop-producing land may be lost due to a major slippage of

soils from a mountain side. Flooding may also be a secondary effect as the erosion

blocks the rivers (Singh & Dey, 2016).

Volcanic eruption is the emissions of materials form deep beneath the earth

expelled through volcanoes. Volcanoes which can be a disaster threat are well

documented and monitored, thus major volcanic eruptions can be predicted. Volcanic

blasts may cause destruction of structures and possible fires. The eruption may also

result to land surface cracking which may further destroy buildings and other structures.

Lava flow can bury buildings and crops. Ash ground deposits can affect land fertility and

may contaminate water supply. In addition, ash may also cause respiratory problems.

Mud flows may also arise from associated heavy rain (Singh & Dey, 2016).

Bushfires or Wildfires are destructive fires in forests and other areas with

vegetation. Areas prone to wildfires are well-known and well defined. Fires tend to

seasonal, occurring under conditions of high temperature and high winds. Effects
include loss of buildings, timber and livestock. Loss of life due to fires can be prevented

if counter-disaster arrangements are adequate. Recovery from effects of fire on the

environment may take several years (Carter, 2008).

Epidemic or the outbreak of diseases affecting a large population in an

extensive geographic area generally arises from disrupted living conditions. Food

sources, water sources, inadequate medical facilities/standards, malnutrition and vector

borne sources may cause an epidemic of the following diseases: hepatitis, typhoid,

diphtheria, malaria, cholera, influenza, diarrhea, skin disease and food poisoning

(Carter, 2008).

Civil Unrest is when violent and disruptive activities like bombing, clashes and

violence occur. It is usually the responsibility of police, paramilitary and armed forces.

However, other emergency services such as fire services, medical authorities, and

welfare agencies become involved. Effective warning is difficult because the patterns of

civil unrest are difficult to predict (Carter, 2008).

The most commonly experienced natural disasters in Aurora province are storms

or tropical cyclones and flooding.

A cyclone, or a ‘tropical cyclone’ or a ‘typhoon’ as known in the country, is a

region of low atmospheric pressure surrounded by high atmospheric pressure resulting

in swirling atmospheric disturbance accompanied by powerful winds (Singh & Dey,

2016). It is one of the most destructive phenomena with impacts that cover a wide area

(World Health Organization, 2015). Through cyclones carry strong winds, these are not

the ones causing the greatest damage on life and property; rather the secondary events
such as storm surges, flooding, landslide and tornadoes (World Health Organization,

2015).

Factors causing vulnerability to typhoons include the following factors: settlement

located in low lying coastal areas, poor building design, insufficient lead time for warning

and evacuation, no-compliance with evacuation procedures and inadequate shelter

(World Health Organization, 2015).

Adverse effects include physical damage to infrastructure and housing. Crops

and food supplies are also affected because destructive force winds and intense rainfall

may destroy crops and other plantations (Singh & Dey, 2016). Communication links

may be severely disrupted as strong winds bring down electricity and communication

towers. Lack of proper communication may affect effective distribution of relief materials

(Singh & Dey, 2016).

Direct impacts to health include injuries, trauma, and asphyxiation from building

collapse and wind-strewn debris. Moreover, electrocution and drowning could also

cause injuries and deaths (World Health Organization, 2015).

As for indirect health impacts, communicable diseases outbreaks are rarely

observed, however, there is an increased risk for water-borne diseases transmission

due to environmental changes (World Health Organization, 2015). Destruction of

infrastructures and lifeline systems can result to food shortage and may interrupt basic

public health services. Mental health could also be compromised due to stress, grief

and loss associated with the disaster (World Health Organization, 2015).

Flood is a state of high water level along a river channel or on the coast that

leads to inundation of land (Singh & Dey, 2016). Major causes of flood are heavy
rainfall, heavy siltation of the river bed reducing the river’s water carrying capacity,

blockage of drains and blockage of the flow of the stream due to landslides (Singh &

Dey, 2016).

Factors affecting vulnerability to floods include man-made and natural factors,

location of settlements on floodplains, non-resistant buildings and foundations, lack of

warning systems and awareness of flooding hazard, land with little capacity of

absorbing rain (World Health Organization, 2015).

Adverse effects of flood mainly arise from inundation and erosion which may lead

to loss of life and destruction of or damage to structures. Agriculture is also affected as

the flood reaches agricultural lands destroying the crops (Singh & Dey, 2016).

Direct impacts include drowning which is the leading cause of death in case of

flash floods and coastal floods. Injuries like small lacerations and punctures may be

caused by glass debris and nails. Electrical shocks can also occur. Communicable

diseases outbreak is less likely though there is an increased risk for water and vector

borne diseases (World Health Organization, 2015).

Indirect impact come from the danger of destruction of infrastructures and lifeline

systems which can also result in delayed health care services and food shortage.

Contamination by toxic chemicals during flood is theoretically possible but no verifiable

correlation has been observed or measured so far (World Health Organization, 2015).

DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT (DRRM)

Disaster risk refers to any potential losses in lives, health status, livelihoods,

assets and services, due to disasters, which may occur to a specific community over a

specific period of time (UNISDR, 2009).

 Disaster risk reduction is defined as the use of systematic efforts in reducing

disaster risks. It embraces analysis and management of the casual factors of diseases,

reduction of hazard exposures, lessening of the vulnerability of people and property,

wise management of land and the environment, and preparedness for adverse effects

(UNISDR, 2009).

Disaster risk reduction can take place in two ways: preparedness and mitigation

(Singh & Dey, 2016).

Preparedness refers to the knowledge and capacity of governments,

organizations, communities, and individuals to respond rapidly during a disaster and to

cope with them effectively (UNISDR). It encompasses measures taken before a disaster

event with purpose of minimizing loss of life, disruption of critical services, and damage

when the disaster occurs. Measures include the formulation of feasible emergency

plans, the development of warning systems, the maintenance of inventories and the

training of personnel. Search and rescue measures as well as evacuation plans for

areas that may be at risk from a recurring disaster are means of disaster preparedness

(Singh & Dey, 2016).

Mitigation involves measures taken to reduce both the effect of the hazards and

the vulnerable conditions to it in order to prevent or lessen the possibility of the future

disasters (UNISDR). Therefore mitigation activities can be focused on the hazard itself

or the elements exposed to the threat. Examples of mitigation measures which are

hazard specific include water management in drought prone areas, relocating people

away from the hazard prone areas and by strengthening structures to reduced damage

when hazard occurs. In addition to these physical measures, mitigation should also aim
at reducing the economic and social vulnerabilities of potential disasters (Singh & Dey,

2016).

Disaster risk management is a systematic process that utilizes administrative

directives, organizations and operational skills and capacities in implementing

strategies, policies and improved coping capacities in order to lessen the negative

effects of hazards and the possibility of future disasters (UNISDR, 2009).

There are three key activities that are taken up within disaster risk management,

the pre-disaster activities, disaster occurrence activities and post disaster activities

(Singh & Dey, 2016).

Pre-disaster activities also called mitigation and preparedness activities are

activities done before the occurrence of a disaster which aims to reduce human and

property losses caused by a potential hazard (Singh & Dey, 2016). It may embrace

carrying out awareness campaigns, strengthening the existing weak structures,

preparation of the disaster management plans at household and community level etc

(Singh & Dey, 2016).

Disaster occurrence activities or emergency response activities are done

during a disaster which ensures to meet the needs of the victims and minimize their

suffering (Singh & Dey, 2016).

Post-disaster activities, or response and recovery activities, are initiatives

taken after a disaster with a purpose of achieving early recovery and rehabilitation of

affected communities, immediately after a disaster strikes (Singh & Dey, 2016).
DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES IN THE PHILIPPINES

The UN Resolution number 46/182 states that disaster prevention and

preparedness should be given attention by the government concerned; disaster

mitigation strategies should be established to reduce the impact of disasters (Calde,

2008).

In the year 2005, the World Conference on Disaster Reduction conducted in

Kobe, Hyogo, Japan adopted the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) which presents

the priorities that should be developed with respect to disaster preparedness and

prevention for the years 2005 to 2015 (Calde, 2008).

In addition, the Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency

Response (AADMER) was signed by the Foreign Ministers of the Association of

Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries on 2005 and was enforced on 2009

(Calde, 2008). The AADMER aims to provide effective mechanisms to achieve

substantial reduction of disaster losses in lives and in the social, economic and

environmental assets of the parties and to jointly respond to disaster emergencies

through concerted national efforts and intensified regional and international corporation

(Calde, 2008).

In line with the HFA and AADMER, where the Philippines is a party, RA 10121 or

the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act of 2010 was passed by the

fourteenth congress of the Philippines (Calde, 2008). The act aims to adopt a disaster

risk reduction and management approach that is effective in lessening the negative

impacts of disasters on socioeconomics and environment including climate change, and

to promote the involvement and participation of all sectors and all stakeholders

concerned, at all levels, especially the local community (Calde, 2008).

RA 10121 states that various government agencies must develop, promote and

implement comprehensive National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan

(NDRRMP) that aims to strengthen the capacity of the national government and the

local government units (LGUs), together with partner stakeholders, to build the disasters

resilience of communities, and to institutionalize arrangements and measures for

reducing disaster risks, including projected climate risks, and enhancing disaster

preparedness and response capabilities at all levels (Calde, 2008).

Various Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils will be activated

depending on different situations based on the Implementing Rules and Regulations

(IRR) of RA 10121. Barangay Development Council (BDC) will be activated if a single

barangay is affected. The City/Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Council (C/MDRRMC) if two or more barangays are affected, Provincial Disaster Risk

Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), if two or more cities of municipalities

are affected, Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), if

two or more provinces are affected, and National Disaster Risk Reduction and

Management Council (NDRRMC)-if two or more regions are affected (RA 10121).

The NDRRMC leads in ensuring effective functioning of the different government

agencies all throughout the various stages of disaster management. It likewise has the

responsibility to advise the President on the status of disaster preparedness,

prevention, mitigation, response and rehabilitation undertaken at the national and local

levels (Commission on Audit, 2014).

 The national government integrates DRRM into the Philippine Development Plan

along the four Priority Areas of DRRM: prevention and mitigation, preparedness,

response and rehabilitation and recovery (Commission on Audit, 2014). The four priority

areas are governed by different agencies below:

Disaster Prevention and Mitigation involves reducing vulnerabilities and

enhancing capacities of communities to avoid hazards and mitigate the potential

impacts of disasters (Commission on Audit, 2014). The Department of Science and

Technology (DOST) is the over-all leading Agency in this aspect of DRRM. Roles of the

DOST include improvement of the forecasting and early warning system. Other leading

agencies include the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Department of Energy and

Resources (DENR), and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The OCD

is responsible for the development of DRRM policies in the national, sectoral, regional

and local level and the enhancement of community based DRRM assessment,

mapping, analysis and monitoring. The DENR is responsible for environmental

management, the DPWH, for increasing resiliency of infrastructure systems while the

DOF ensuring community access to effective and applicable disaster risk financing and

insurance.

Disaster Preparedness includes establishment and strengthening of the

community capacity to anticipate, cope, and recover from negative impacts of disasters.

The over-all leading agency is the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)

(Commission on Audit, 2014). Included in the roles of the DILG is strengthening the

capacity of Local DRRM Councils, Offices and Operation Centers, including

strengthening implementation of local preparedness and response policies, plans, and

systems. With the OCD, the DILG also aims to strengthen partnership and coordination

among all key players and stakeholders. The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) is

also involved in disaster preparedness by increasing the level of awareness and

enhancing capacity of the community to the threats and impacts of all hazards.

Disaster response is aimed to preserve the life and provide the needs of the

affected population immediately after a disaster. The over-all leading agency is the

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) which ensures a well-

established disaster response Operations. Moreover, it ensures that temporary shelter

needs are adequately addressed, and that early recovery systems are coordinated and

implemented. Together with other agencies such as the OCD, the DSWD also ensures

adequate and prompt assessment of needs and damages at all levels. Disaster

response also includes safe and timely evacuation of affected communities which is

handled by the Local Government Unit. The Department of Health (DOH) also plays a

role in disaster response through provision of Basic social services including

psychological needs services to affected and is also involved in the integrated and

coordinated Search, Rescue and Retrieval System with the OCD.

Disaster rehabilitation and recovery aims to restore and improve living

conditions, livelihood and facilities of affected communities after a disaster. The National

Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is the over-all leading agency. In

coordination with other agencies, the NEDA ensures that economic activities are

restored, and if possible strengthened or expanded. Other agencies involved in Disaster

rehabilitation and recovery include the OCD which leads the assessment of damages,

losses and needs after a disaster. Moreover, the National Housing Authority (NHA),
ensures safer sites for housing and promotes building/rebuilding of hazard-resilient

houses and infrastructures. Agencies such as the DPWH, DSWD and DOH are also

responsible for creating a psychologically sound, safe and secure citizenry that is

protected from the effects of disasters.

Though each cluster has its own functions and policies, the National clusters like

DENR, DEPED, and DPWH could lend support to other regional clusters. Under the

local level, the Local Government Unit still continue to play a critical role in disaster

response but their capabilities and coordination between the regional and national

government agencies still face a big challenge (Commission on Audit, 2014).

DISASTER NURSING

Responsibility for any type of disaster should not be given to a single discipline,

agency or organization; though each operate autonomously and independently, they

must work together to meet the national preparedness goal of having a secured and

disaster-resilient community (Heide and Scanlon, 2007). The nursing profession is not

exempted to the responsibility in the preparedness for, response to and recovery from

disasters (Association of Public Health Nurses, 2013).

Disaster nursing can be defined as “the adaptation of professional nursing

knowledge, skills and attitude in recognizing and meeting the nursing, health and

emotional needs of disaster victims” (Parihar, 2011). Its main goal is to ensure that

every person in a community affected by a disaster maintains or achieves optimal

health care status (Parihar, 2011).

The nurse’s role in disaster management is not limited to the health response to

casualties during a disaster. The nurses are involved in the four aspects of DRRM:
prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response and rehabilitation and recovery

(Association of Public Health Nurses, 2013).

In the prevention and preparedness phase of DRRM, the nurse should be

involved in the assessment and planning of activities. As part of the community, the

nurse is knowledgeable not only of the health data of the community but also including

the other related data needed to determine the needs of a community (Association of

Public Health Nurses, 2013). Nurses also should take part in initiating disaster

prevention measures such as removal of hazard, relocation of at risk population, public

awareness campaigns and establishment of early warning systems (Parihar, 2011).

In the response phase, the nurse has a role in activating the disaster response

plan. Responsibilities include evaluation of public health needs of the affected

population, delivery of safe and adequate food and water supply, provision for sanitation

needs and waste removal, disease surveillance and vector control (Parihar, 2011).

In the recovery and rehabilitation phase, the nurses’ responsibilities include

conduct of post-disaster assessments such as health needs assessment, disease

surveillance, monitoring for food and water safety. They are also involved in the re-

triage and transport of patients to appropriate facilities, monitoring of mental health

status of survivors and provision of counseling and debriefing. Evaluation of disaster

nursing response actions and revisions of original disaster preparedness after a disaster

is also a concern of nurses in collaboration with the other concerned organizations such

as the DILG and the local government (Parihar, 2011).

REVIEW OF RELATED STUDIES

Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practices regarding disaster risk

reduction and management among health care professionals were conducted by

various researchers. Moabi (2008) conducted a study which aimed to assess the

knowledge, attitude and practices of hospital management at the Johannesburg

Hospital regarding disaster preparedness. The study design embraced a cross

sectional survey which used close ended and open ended questions to the

respondents. The hospital administrators, head of clinical units, head of casualties, the

chief porter, the chief clerk, the theatre matron, senior sisters and doctors in the

casualty department, head of security, head of transport and the chief pharmacist were

given the self administered questionnaires. Random sampling was implored from each

of the different disciplines. The study reports a 71.4% response rate from the

respondents, where in majority came from the clinical category which included doctors,

nurses and others in the allied medical professions. Majority of the respondents have

worked in the hospital for a period of 5-10 years, which implies that a large percentage

of the respondents are already adequately oriented with the hospital premises and

activities.

After administering the questionnaires, the researcher found out that the

participants are well equipped with knowledge on disaster, disaster plans and disaster

preparedness. Moreover, the participants have positive attitude towards disaster

preparedness. Most agreed the management should be adequately prepared should a

disaster occur and that every member of staff should know their role should a disaster
occur. However, the study showed that practices were deficient and there is a need for

training, performance of drills and regular updating of disaster plans in the hospital.

With regards to this, the researcher recommended the following activities to the

hospital: regular update of a disaster plan placed in a readily accessible area; conduct

of regular drills known to all members of staff with orientation of all staff members about

their roles and function during the drill; implementation of evacuation exercises for the

entire hospital at least twice a year; conduct of risk assessment for potential hazards in

the hospital; and lastly, improvement of external communication for emergency

purposes.

Another study on disaster preparedness among health works was conducted by

F.A Ibrahim in the year 2014 entitled Nurses knowledge, attitudes, practices and

familiarity regarding disaster and emergency preparedness-Saudi Arabia has a

purpose to examine nurses’ knowledge, attitudes practices and familiarity regarding

disaster and emergency preparedness in Saudi Arabia. A total of 252 study participants

comprised of technical nurses worked in different healthcare settings up to ten years

then back to the nursing college to study four to five complimentary semesters to obtain

bachelor of nursing degree.

Research design utilized is the cross-sectional descriptive study design

conducted using five tools to obtain data. Tools used to collect data were questionnaire

to collect demographic data, questionnaire for knowledge, attitude and practice to

measure disaster preparedness and emergency preparedness information

questionnaire to measure nurses’ familiarity.

 Results show that the nurses lack knowledge and practices on disaster

preparedness. Though there is an acceptable level of attitude regarding disaster

preparedness, there is neutral familiarity with emergency preparedness. Taking the

results in consideration, the following recommendations were made: a clearly titled

theory and practice teaching courses about disaster and emergency preparedness

should be integrated into the nursing curricula and follow up research should be done

improve nursing education and nursing quality in these critical areas applied to

healthcare as well as community setting.

Another study entitled “Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Nurses

Regarding Disaster Management: A Study from Peshawar KPK” was conducted by

S. Ulfat, R. Shaheen, R. Riaz and A.B Said in 2015. It aimed to determine the

knowledge, attitude and practices of nurses in different department like emergency,

trauma care and intensive care units regarding disaster preparedness. Quantitative

descriptive study was implored for the collection of data from ninety staff members

included in this study. Data collected through pre designed and pre tested questionnaire

after informed consent and then analysed through SPSS version 16.

Overall finding of the study showed that though most nurses were not able to

identify correctly the definition of disaster, most of them have positive attitude towards

disaster risk reduction and management and that most can provide help in a disaster or

emergency situation. This study also found that majority of the participants have

identified that updated disaster preparedness training is required for them in their

hospital, which is essential for nurses to be prepared in addressing the challenges of

providing care in different types of disasters and under different conditions.

 Recommendations therefore include awareness of the following: the need for

evidence-based assessments and planning, the need for a shift in focus to health-sector

readiness, empowerment of survivors, provision of relief for the caregivers, address the

incentives and disincentives to attain readiness, engage in joint preparation, response

and training, focus on prevention and mitigation of the damage from events, and

improve media relations.

Another study entitled “Knowledge, attitude and practice of disaster

preparedness and mitigation among medical students” was conducted by A. Sinha

Department of Community Medicine, RD Gardi Medical College, Ujjain (MP), India and

D.K. Pal, P.K. Kasar, R. Tiwari, and A. Sharma Department of Community Medicine,

NSCB Medical College, Jabalpur (MP) in 2014. Its purpose was to assess the present

level of knowledge about disaster preparedness and mitigation among undergraduate

medical students. A pre-tested and pre-designed, structured questionnaire was given to

the 375 undergraduate medical students who volunteered for the study. After statistical

treatments using measures of central tendencies such as means, it can be derived from

the study that the knowledge, attitude and practices of the undergraduate medical

students about disaster preparedness and mitigation are in adequate.

Recommendations from the researchers then include improvement of knowledge and

awareness through workshops and mock drills and similar practical exercises.

Recommendation for trainings and drills on disaster management are justified by

a study entitled “Disaster management: a study on knowledge, attitude and

practice of emergency nurse and community health nurse”, conducted by N.

Ahayalimudin, A. Ismail and I.M. Saiboon in 2012. The purpose of the study was to
determine knowledge, attitude and practice of emergency nurse and community health

nurse in Malaysia towards disaster management. A cross-sectional study design was

utilized in emergency departments and health clinics in Selangor, one of the states in

Malaysia. The 468 nurses randomly chosen were given questionnaire to assess their

knowledge, attitude and practice towards disaster management.

Using chi-square as statistical tool, the study shows that majority emergency

nurses had adequate practice compared to the community health nurses. The study

also showed that emergency nurses who have been involved in disaster response are

more likely to report adequate practice while those who attended disaster-related

education/training are more likely to have both adequate knowledge and practice. The

study also justified that attending disaster- related education/training is seen to be a

predictor to adequate and practice and portraying positive attitude among community

health nurse.

With the positive results of the study, the researchers recommend to continue

and strengthen the conduct of trainings ang seminars for disaster management.

Researches on the assessment of disaster preparedness in schools were also

explored.

H.M. Mammogale’s study in 2011 entitled Assessing disaster preparedness of

learners and educators in Soshanguve North schools aims to determine the extent

to which disaster preparedness were achieved by learners and educators in schools

located in Soshanguve North. Both qualitative and quantitative research design were

utilized in this study, thus two sampling methods were used. For quantitative data

collection, simple random sampling was used whereby 20 schools where randomly
selected. For qualitative data collection, a purposeful sampling method was used, where

in the principals, educators, learners and school safety members were selected for

completing questionnaires and face-to-face interview because they experienced

everyday life and were representing selected schools, thus relevant sources for the

proposed research topic.

The study found that floods, fires and storms are the possible threats to schools

around Soshangove North. It also emerged that learning areas such as Social Sciences

directly cover the teaching of disaster education while Life Orientation and Natural

Sciences indirectly cover disaster risk management concepts and principles. The

surprising finding of the study was that learners were more aware of disaster

preparedness rather than the educators in the school were. The findings revealed that

disaster preparedness of learners and educators seemed to have been achieved by

learners based on the knowledge received in classrooms during hazards and disaster

education in Social Sciences, and during rehearsals performed at school.

Recommendations from the researcher include implementation of trainings

regarding disaster management for principals and educators including members from

school safety committee; disaster management plans should also be created to address

the threats of floods, fires and storms as research finding revealed to be possible

disasters participants identified. Furthermore, the department of Education should

consider funding the training of educators in disaster management and organizing

workshops to empower them with knowledge.

 Chapter III

Methodology

This Chapter presents the description of the research process. It provides

information concerning the method that will be used in undertaking this research as well

as a justification for the use of this method. The Chapter also describes the various

stages of the research, which includes the selection of participants, the data collection

process and the process of data analysis. The Chapter also discusses the role of the

researcher in qualitative research in relation to reflexivity. The Chapter ends with a

discussion of validity and reliability in qualitative research and discusses the way in

which these two requirements were met in the current study.

Surveys are a very traditional way of conducting research and are practically

useful for non-experimental descriptive designs to describe reality. (Mathers, N., Fox,

N., Hunn, A., 2009). Hence, the research will be using survey to explore and determine

the following: a.) respondent’s demographic profile, b.) the knowledge, c.) attitude, and

d.) practices of nursing students in Eastern Samar State University as the respondents

regarding DRRM using a guided and modified questionnaire adapted from various

similar research study. Questionnaires as method of scientific research may be taken

anonymously or in private, therefore may be more effective for gathering information in

regards with statistical data about the perception of the respondents (Zeiger, S.)
 This is also in accordance with non-experimental descriptive to conducting

research. The purpose of this research is to understand the relation of demographic

profile to the knowledge and skills of the respondents regarding disaster risk reduction

and management, as well as to determine the practices that the respondents

incorporate before, during, after disaster risk.

RESEARCH DESIGN

According to Denzin and Lincoln (2005) a research methodology or strategy is

determined by the nature of the research question and the subject being investigated.

As a result the research format used in an investigation should be seen as a tool to

answer the research question. This research study will aim explore and understand the

meanings constructed by the participants. The study did not aim to provide the ultimate

truth about the research topic but rather to investigate a particular relation between the

independent and dependent variable. This study will be guided by the following

research questions:

1. What is the demographic profile of the barangay officials in terms of:

a. age

b. gender

c. year level

2. What is the level of knowledge of nursing students on disaster risk reduction and

management for natural calamities?

3. What is the attitude level of nursing students towards disaster risk reduction and

management for natural calamities?

 4. What programs and activities on disaster risk reduction and management

guidelines are practiced/ is being practiced by nursing students?

5. What is the relationship of the demographic profile of the nursing students to their

level of knowledge on disaster risk reduction and management for natural

calamities?

6. What is the relationship of the demographic profile of the nursing students to their

attitude towards disaster risk reduction and management?

The researchers used a descriptive quantitative research design for it is most

appropriate in accurately portraying the details regarding the knowledge, attitude and

practices regarding disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) of the nursing

students as the respondents (Cristobal and Cristobal, 2009). The demographic profile of

the respondents will be included in the data collection.

The correlational design will be used to determine if the demographic profile of

the respondents have a significant relationship to the variables: a.) knowledge on

DRRM, b.) attitude towards DRRM.

The researchers will be using a cross-sectional study design because the data

will be collected at a single point of time (Gundran, 2014). The students enrolled in

Bachelor of Science in Nursing, College of Nursing and Allied Sciences of Eastern

Samar State University during the academic year 2020-2021 will be the respondents of

this study.
JUSTIFICATION FOR USING QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Denzin and Lincoln (2005) describe qualitative research as a multifaceted

research method involving an interpretative, naturalistic approach to subject matter. The

multifaceted nature of qualitative research enables researchers to develop a holistic

picture of the phenomenon in question. Denzin and Lincoln (2005) provide the following

principles that underlie qualitative research:

 Qualitative research is holistic; it looks at the larger picture and begins with a

search for understanding of the whole.

 Qualitative research looks at the relationships within a system.

 Qualitative research focus on understanding a given social setting, not

necessarily on making predictions about that setting.

 Qualitative research demands time consuming analysis; it requires ongoing

analysis of the data.

 Qualitative research design requires the researcher to become the research

instrument. It also incorporates room for description of the researcher's own

biases and ideological preferences.

 Qualitative research design incorporates informed consent decisions and is

responsive to ethical concerns.

In qualitative research, the objective is exploratory and descriptive rather than

explanatory (Ferreirra, Mouton, Puth, Schurink & Schurink, 1998). The descriptive

nature of qualitative research allows the researcher to provide a description of the

experiences of the participants, which will either sustain or confront the theoretical 94
assumptions on which the study is based (Meyer, 2001). The descriptive nature of

qualitative research enables readers to understand the meaning attached to the

experience, the distinct nature of the problem and the impact of the problem (Meyer,

2001).

Qualitative research is deemed suitable for this research project as the purpose

of this study is to determine and explore the knowledge, attitude, and practices of the

respondents regarding disaster risk reduction and management. The research aims to

explore a particular interpretation without presenting the findings as the absolute truth

but as one way in interpreting knowledge, attitude, and practices within the scope of

regarding disaster risk reduction and management. Sufficient time will be spent

analyzing the data to ensure that the findings accurately interpret the way in which the

respondents view disaster risk reduction and management. The researchers will

consciously be guarded against presenting personal experiences, and attempts to

remain aware of own biases and experiences.

Within the tradition of qualitative research, there are three broad categories of

data collection: participant observation; interviewing; and the use of personal

documents (Mouton & Marais, 1991). In the present study, survey is used as the main

method of data collection. A modified structured questionnaire will be used and

adopted; this approach will facilitate an understanding of the demographic profile of the

respondents as well as to explore the perspective of the participants under

investigation.
Sample and Sampling Scheme

The study aims to determine the knowledge, attitude and practices of the nursing

students in ESSU, thus, universal sampling method will be used. Using universal

sampling method, the population size will be the sample size in this study (Cristobal and

Cristobal, 2009).

Locale of the Study

The research study will be conducted among the students enrolled in Bachelor of

Science in Nursing, College of Nursing and Allied Sciences of Eastern Samar State

University during the academic year 2020-2021. The researchers will be coordinating

with the head program as well as the dean of the college department in order for the

study to be guided. Since the research will be held during the pandemic in which

physical contact is strictly unadvised, the questionnaire will be uploaded on the internet

through google forms for the convenience and health safety of the respondents as well

as the researchers.

TOOLS AND INSTRUMENTS

The study will utilize a questionnaire which consists of four parts. First part is to

obtain the demographic data of the respondents; it will specifically determine the

respondents’ a.) age, b.) sex, c.)y ear level, which was modified from the studies of

Moabi (2008) and Gundran (2014). The other three parts will be consisting of: 1.) Level

of knowledge on disaster risk reduction and management for natural calamities, 2.)

Attitude level towards disaster risk reduction and management for natural calamities,

and 3.) Practices Regarding Disaster Risk Reduction Management; based on the
guidelines in the Philippines’ National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan

(NDRRMP) for 2011-2028.

The likert scale, or a scale that indicates the level or extent to which a person

agrees or disagrees to a statement, will be used in the questionnaire to gauge the

attitudes of the respondents towards disaster risk reduction and management, similar to

the study of Moabi (2008) and Gundran (2014).

The questionnaire will be uploaded on the internet through google forms for the

convenience and health safety of the respondents as well as the researchers.

VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF RESEARCH INSTRUMENT

Validity explains how well the collected data covers the actual area of

investigation (Ghauri and Gronhaug, 2005). The validity of the research instrument will

be specifically focusing on 1.) content validity and 2.) construct validity.

Content Validity

In content validity, evaluation of the survey instrument will be done in order to

ensure that it includes all the items that are essential and eliminates undesirable items

to a particular construct domain (Lewis et al., 1995, Boudreau et al., 2001).

One way to establish the content validity of the research instrument being used in

the study is to involve the literature reviews as well as per recommendation by the

research adviser and judges or panelists.

 The CVR (content validity ratio) proposed by Lawshe (1975) is a linear

transformation of a proportional level of agreement on how many experts within a panel

rate an item “essential” calculated in the following way:

N
ne −( )
2
CVR=
N
2

Where CVR is the content validity ratio, ne is the number of panel members

indicating “essential,” and N is the total number of panel members. The final evaluation

to retain the item based on the CVR will depend on the number of panels.

Construct Validity

Another is construct validity in which it will determine if a relationship between

variables is causal, determining the particular cause and effect behaviors or constructs

involved in the relationship between variables. This encompasses a.) Discriminant

validity, and b.) Convergent Validity.

Discriminant validity is the extent to which latent variable A discriminates from other

latent variables. It means that a latent variable is able to account for more variance in the

observed variables associated within the conceptual framework. If it will not be the case, then

the validity of the individual indicators and of the construct will be questionable (Fornell and

Larcker)

Corvergent validity is a parameter often used in sociology and other behavioral sciences

in which two measures of constructs that theoretically be related, are in fact related.
 With the purpose of verifying the construct validity (discriminant and convergent validity),

a factor analysis will be conducted utilizing principal component analysis (PCA) with varimax

rotation method (Koh and Nam, 2005, Wee and Quazi, 2005). Items loaded above 0.40 which is

the minimum recommended value in research are considered for further analysis. Furthermore,

items cross loading above 0.40 should be eliminated. Therefore, the factor analysis will satisfy

the criteria of construct validity including both the discriminant validity (loading of at least 0.40,

no cross-loading of items above 0.40) and convergent validity (eigenvalues of 1, loading of at

least 0.40, items that load on posited constructs) (Starub et al., 2004).

DATA GATHERING PROCESS

The researchers will be coordinating with the head program as well as the dean

of the college department in Eastern Samar State University to ask permission to

conduct the study among the respondents; this is in order for the study to be guided and

be efficiently conducted for better outcome of the research. Upon approval, the

researchers will then be coordinating with the classroom advisers of every year level

enrolled in Bachelor of Science in Nursing to be notified and be well-informed regarding

the research study to be conducted. The questionnaires will be administered through

the internet utilizing google forms as the domain to gather and tally information.

STATISTICAL TREATMENT

Descriptive analysis will be employed in the study. Measures of central tendency

such as the mean and weighted mean will be used to summarize the quantitative
variables. The Categorical variables are to be presented in terms of number/frequency

and percentages. Results will then be presented in tables.

The data will be coded and analyzed using SPSS trial version. Pearson Product

Moment Test of Correlation will be used to determine the pvalue of the data (at 0.05 and

0.01 level of significance), in order to determine if there is a significant relationship

between the socio-demographic profile of the officials and their knowledge on and

attitudes towards disaster risk reduction and management. Results less than 0.05 will

be considered significant, while results less than 0.01 will be considered highly

significant. For results greater than 0.05, the null hypothesis is accepted, thus

considered not significant.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

The researchers need to consider ethics in the conduct of research. The

respondents in the study will not, in any way, be forced, deceived, coerced or pressured

to participate in the study; a consent form will be presented to assure the willingness of

the respondent to participate in the study. It is assured that the respondents will be

adequately educated about the research and will be clearly informed about the

purposes of the study before answering the questionnaire. Privacy and confidentiality

was observed.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

This Chapter outlined how the research was conducted, illustrating the process

used to select the participants, the method used to collect data as well as the approach
that was used in analyzing the texts. The aim of this study is to determine the

participants’ demographic profile, as well as to explore the knowledge, attitude, and

practices within the scope of DRRM, and eventually draw conclusion with the results

interpreted regarding the correlation between the demographic profile and knowledge

and attitudes with DRRM. The next Chapter details the analysis process and describes

the findings of the research.

WHERE ARE YOUR REFERENCES? Boringitzz ka ser//////

Where are your proposed communication letters? Search GA Tim b0bot

 Questionnaire:
Please review your instrument if it will answer all your objectives

A.) Respondent’s Demographic Profile

Name: Age: Sex: [M] |[F] Yr. lvl & Section:

B.)Level of knowledge on disaster risk reduction and management for natural calamities

Guide question(s):

Very knowledgeable Knowledgeable Slightly Knowledgeable Not knowledgeable

=3 =2 =1 = 0.
C.) Attitude level towards disaster risk reduction and management for natural calamities

Guide question(s):
 What do you think of disaster risk reduction and management?
 How do you think DRRM will or will not help you as a nurse?
 In what way do you think DRRM is relevant and beneficial? Or not?
*please check all items with the corresponding answer.

AGREE DISAGREE UNSURE

I do not need to know about disaster plans
Management should be adequately prepared should a disaster
occur
Potential hazards likely to cause disaster should be identified
and dealt with
Training is necessary for all health management
Do you think it is necessary to have a disaster plan?
Disasters are unlikely to happen in our hospital
Disaster management is for nurses and doctors only
Disaster simulation should occur frequently in the school
Drills should be conducted in the hospital
Disaster risk reduction and management is a great help in the
community
(refer to the last sentence) thus, learning about it is necessary
in the nursing career
Nurses as leaders, must apply disaster risk reduction and
management activities in the community

Disaster preparedness is the primary means of reducing the

impact of disasters

An efficient disaster response, which includes establishing a

relief operations system and a search and rescue operation
system, can help reduce the impact that a disaster could bring
Disaster rehabilitation and recovery activities such as post-
disaster assessment and rebuilding of roads, electric lines etc.,
should be conducted after a disaster occurs
D. Practices Regarding Disaster Risk Reduction Management
Guide question(s):
 What programs and/or activities on disaster risk management guidelines are you practicing or have
practiced?

On Disaster prevention and mitigation activities:

 Make and update a BDRRM plan;
 Conduct community based disaster risk assessment;
 Conduct hazard mapping analysis and monitoring;
 Have access to effective and applicable disaster risk financing and insurance agencies;
 Operate an early warning system, to provide accurate and timely advice to emergency response;

On Disaster Preparedness Activities:

 Established a Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center or any
organization regarding DRRM
 Developed and implemented comprehensive local disaster preparedness policies, plans and systems;
 Operationalize partnership or networking with the private sector, csos, and volunteer groups for
disaster risk management;
On Disaster Occurrence Activities:
 Conduct adequate and prompt assessment of needs and damages
 Implement Integrated and coordinated Search, Rescue and Retrieval Capacity Systems;
 Activate an evacuation system;
 Provide basic needs such as shelter and medical care needs to the affected families;

On Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery Activities

 Conduct Post-Disaster Needs assessment one month after the occurrence of disaster
 Identify the needed assistance and formulate and implement appropriate programs to restore,
strengthen or expand economic Activities
Others:
 IEC (information, education, communication) campaigns about Disaster risk management
information
 Training, orientation, and knowledge management activities on disaster risk reduction and
management