Modeling factors related to earthquake preparedness: a structural equation modeling approach

Global evidence suggests that natural disasters are on the rise, and that earthquake harm disproportionally impacts developing countries. To mitigate these harms, disaster preparedness is an important behavioral strategy in earthquake risk mitigation. However, there is limited evidence about the levels of preparedness in developing countries, especially Iran. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate earthquake preparedness among the general public, using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a theoretical framework. This methodological study was conducted in Iran in 2022, involving 302 participants selected through stratified random sampling. Data was collected using a valid and reliable questionnaire. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze TPB constructs, including attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intentions, in relation to earthquake preparedness behaviors. The statistical analyses encompassed descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, correlation coefficients, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling. Results show that attitudes toward disaster preparedness, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control significantly (