Journal

Disaster Preparedness and Resilience of Peer Helpers in a State University

Jeanette J. SIMPAS
West Visayas State University, La Paz, Iloilo City, Philippines

Corresponding author’s email: simpasjeanette@gmail.com

Abstract

This mixed-method research ascertained the disaster preparedness and level of resiliency among peer helpers in West Visayas State University main and external campuses, for Academic Year 2018-2019. Seventy-six (n=76) participants were selected through stratified sampling. Eighteen (n=18) peer helpers were selected through convenience sampling who served as participants for the focus group discussions (FGD). A validated researcher-made assessment on disaster preparedness and resiliency were used. Descriptive statistics (frequency count, percentage, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson’s r, .05 alpha) were utilized. Results show that peer helpers had moderate levels of disaster preparedness and resiliency. Female peer helpers are found to be more prepared than males. Furthermore, there is a significant relationship in peer helpers’ disaster preparedness and resiliency. This means that the higher the disaster preparedness of peer helpers the more resilient they become. However, the results of the FGD reveal that participants realize their inadequacy in terms of disaster preparedness and coping skills. There is an expressed need for skills training on these areas specifically, in relation to providing psychological support to disaster survivors as part of their role as peer helpers. As students are honed to be prepared in times of disaster, they must also be trained to learn the skills to be resilient.

Keywords: disaster preparedness, resiliency, mixed method, Iloilo, Central Philippines

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