RISK PERCEPTION AND LEVEL OF PREPAREDNESS FOR FLOOD DISASTER AMONG RESIDENTS ON ADABALE RIVER BANK, YEMETU, IBADAN, NIGERIA

Abstract

Ibadan is a flood prone city with consequent devastating effects on lives and properties. Previous studies have highlighted the consequences of adverse effects of flooding but there is sparse information on the level of preparedness for disaster among residents in Ibadan metropolis. Hence, this study was designed to investigate the risk perception and level of preparedness for flood disaster among residents on Adabale river bank, Ibadan, Nigeria. The study was cross-sectional in design using a three-stage random sampling technique in selecting wards, communities and 420 consenting respondents. A semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to elicit information on respondents' socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of flood disaster, risk perception and level of preparedness for flood disaster. Knowledge of flood disaster was assessed on a 30-point scale: scores ≤10, >10-20 and >20 were categorised as poor, average and good respectively. Risk perception was measured on 22-point scale in which scores ≤11 were categorised as negative. The level of preparedness was measured on a 12-point scale. Scores <4, 4-8 and >8 were categorised as poorly, moderately and adequately prepared for flood disaster respectively. Focus Group Discussion (FGD) sessions were conducted among men and women groups. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and logistic regression at p<0.05. Qualitative data were analysed thematically. Respondents age was 31-+8.9 years, 51.7% were males while 43.3% had secondary education. Fifty-one percent had lived on the river bank for a minimum of five years. Knowledge scores was 23±5.5 and 82% had good knowledge of flood disaster. Two hundred and seventy-four respondents (65.2%) correctly defined flood as overflow of water that is destructive and damaging. Ninety-four percent said flood causes structural damage, and 80.2% reported that flood had claimed lives. Majority (96.2%) had a positive risk perception (16.7±3.3). Nearly all of the respondents (96.2%) perceived that flood could lead to death while (95.2%) perceived it could lead to collapse of buildings. Above half (51.0%) had moderate level of preparedness. On the preparatory measures against flood, 90.0% avoided dumping refuse into river, 58.3% and 33.8% used sand bagging and levees respectively. Number of years (≥5) of living in the area was significantly associated with knowledge of flood disaster. People who had lived in the area for ≥5 years were more likely to have good knowledge than people who had lived in the area for ≥5 years were more likely to have good knowledge than people who had lived in the area for <5 years (OR=4.2: CI=1.5-11.4). Males were more likely to have positive risk perception than females (OR=2.2: CI=1.2-7.1). There was a significant association between perception and level of preparedness of flood disaster. Majority of the FGDs discussants agreed that dumping of refuse and building of houses close to the river were the main causes of flood disaster. Despite high knowledge and positive risk perception, level of preparedness of flood disaster was moderate. Health education interventions such as training and advocacy relating to health effect of flood disaster are needed in the study area.