KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTION, AND LEVEL OF SCHOOL DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AMONG TEACHERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KADUNA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Schools have been regarded as safe environments, but the emergence of natural and man-made disasters means that there is a need for schools to be prepared against hazards. This study assessed teachers’ knowledge and perception of school disaster preparedness as well as the level of disaster preparedness in secondary schools in Kaduna North Local Government Area of Kaduna State. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted between November and December 2021 using pre-tested, self-administered questionnaires and observational checklists. A total of 150 teachers were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23, and results were presented using tables and charts. Chi-square test (x²) was used to test for association (p ≤ 0.05). The mean age of the participants was 40.7 ± 9.0 years, only 12.7% of them had good knowledge and 95% had positive perception towards school disaster preparedness. The majority (80%) of the schools had entrance gates and security personnel; however, only 60% of them had school clinics, and 40% had first aid boxes. Only 20% of the teachers had training on school disaster preparedness. None of the schools had fire alarms and muster points. There was no statistically significant association between the respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics and level of knowledge; but there was a statistically significant association between their perception and marital status (p=0.0016) and religion (p=0.0285). Knowledge of school disaster preparedness was poor, but perception was positive. Half of the schools showed some level of disaster preparedness. In order to improve school disaster preparedness, most respondents recommended training of school staff and students and provision of fire alarms as early warning signs for fire as well as fire extinguishers.