Abstract:
This study aimed to describe elder’s risk perceptions and their experiences flood management before, during and after flood; as well as to develop flood preparedness (FPEP) for the elderly and to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice/intention to practice among the elderly after receiving the intervention program. This quasi-experimental study was carried out at Horathep, Taladnoy and Kokyai sub-districts, Ban Moh district, Saraburi Province Thailand. Qualitative and quantitative techniques were employed. Intervention study involved using two groups pre-test and post-test design. Flood manual booklet was developed through community participation in order to create community capacity building. The qualitative finding showed elders perceived flood risk but underestimated the flood situation; so that they lacked of flood preparedness. The results of the quantitative method showed that after the elders in the intervention group received the flood preparedness education program, their scores of knowledge, attitude and practice/intention to practice were increased from the baseline to the 3rd and 6th follow up. Comparing between the intervention and the control group, there were statistically significant differences increased of knowledge, attitude and practice/intention to practice scores within group (p-value<0.05) and between groups (p-value<0.05). Community education is very important for effective response to flood risk. Community regular drills and ongoing training in regards to flood disaster preparedness involving community members should be done.
