Presentation Information
[w5gNzYeC-03]Disaster Preparedness Among University Students Who Participated in a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) Program on "Disaster Resilience and Community Health"
*Chie Teramoto1, Mayumi Kako1, Yoko Shimpuku1 (1. Hiroshima University (Japan))
Keywords:
disaster preparedness,university students,japanese students,international students,mutual assistance
[Purpose] Since 2022, we have implemented a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) program focused on disaster resilience and community health. Given that disasters are a universal concern, this theme facilitates meaningful intercultural collaborative learning. This study aims to identify the disaster preparedness of university students who participated in this COIL program.
[Method] This cross-sectional and qualitative descriptive study surveyed COIL participants from March 2022 to August 2025. Students were asked “What can you do to prepare for a disaster? Please list at least three items.”Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and text analysis to establish coding categories. The study was approved by the Hiroshima University Epidemiology Ethics Review Committee.
[Results] Analysis of 212 students from 24 universities (104 Japanese; 108 international) revealed three primary categories of preparedness: (1) Preparing physical resources, such as stockpiling supplies and assembling emergency kits; (2) Acquiring information and planning, including studying hazard maps and evacuation strategies; and (3) Building skills and community ties, through disaster drills and strengthening local networks.
[Consideration] While both groups shared common preparedness, distinct differences emerged. Japanese students focused primarily on individual actions (Self-help/Jijo), whereas international students emphasized the necessity of education, training, and public awareness (Mutual assistance/Kyojo). These align with the three pillars of disaster risk reduction defined by Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency: Self-help, Mutual assistance, and Public support.
[Conclusion] Educational programs emphasizing "mutual assistance" among young people are crucial to enhancing community resilience.
[Method] This cross-sectional and qualitative descriptive study surveyed COIL participants from March 2022 to August 2025. Students were asked “What can you do to prepare for a disaster? Please list at least three items.”Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and text analysis to establish coding categories. The study was approved by the Hiroshima University Epidemiology Ethics Review Committee.
[Results] Analysis of 212 students from 24 universities (104 Japanese; 108 international) revealed three primary categories of preparedness: (1) Preparing physical resources, such as stockpiling supplies and assembling emergency kits; (2) Acquiring information and planning, including studying hazard maps and evacuation strategies; and (3) Building skills and community ties, through disaster drills and strengthening local networks.
[Consideration] While both groups shared common preparedness, distinct differences emerged. Japanese students focused primarily on individual actions (Self-help/Jijo), whereas international students emphasized the necessity of education, training, and public awareness (Mutual assistance/Kyojo). These align with the three pillars of disaster risk reduction defined by Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency: Self-help, Mutual assistance, and Public support.
[Conclusion] Educational programs emphasizing "mutual assistance" among young people are crucial to enhancing community resilience.
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