Efe GENÇLER, Özlem SİNAN
Global Nursing Insights - 2026;13(2):165-173
Aim: The present study aimed to determine the adults' attitudes towards earthquakes and the influencing factors of attitudes towards earthquakes. Material and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The sample of the study consisted of 466 adults selected using a cluster sampling method from two different neighborhoods in a city in Türkiye. Data were collected using a questionnaire based on relevant literature and the Attitudes Towards Earthquake Scale. The descriptive statistics were used in the analysis of the study data. Results: The mean total score of the participants on the attitudes towards earthquake scale was found to be 170.71 +/- 14.86. Gender, marital status, age, having children, and desire to receive earthquake education were statistically significantly associated with attitudes (p<0.05). Conclusions: The results indicated that adults generally exhibited relatively higher mean scores toward earthquakes. Identifying potential problems arising from negative attitudes toward earthquakes is crucial. Mass communication methods targeting specific audiences can help cultivate positive attitudes toward earthquakes. Implication for nursing practice: Public health nurses should provide education and counseling services and plan strategies to raise awareness about disasters in the community.
