Study on the design and psychometric properties of the earthquake risk perception tool in the population of Bonab city

Abstract

Introduction: Earthquake risk reduction in Iran is an important national priority due to the high seismic activity of the country. There is no standard questionnaire for accurately measuring disaster risk perception in Iran. This study aimed to develop an earthquake risk perception questionnaire and evaluate its psychometric properties among the Iranian population. Methods: This descriptive and analytical study was designed and implemented among 500 people from the population referring to health centers in Bonab city in 1403. Data entry criteria were formed using a researcher-made questionnaire. Initially, the earthquake risk perception questionnaire was designed and psychometrically tested. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were obtained by determining the content validity ratio of CVR, impact score, CVI and construct validity through exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Findings: Based on exploratory analysis, earthquake risk perception was obtained with 23 items, in 5 domains and with a total variance of (50.328). The domain of perceived vulnerability was obtained with 3 questions, perceived severity with 3 questions, perceived self-efficacy with 5 questions, recommended response efficacy with 5 questions, and fear with 6 questions. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the model had a good fit with the data. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the entire questionnaire was 0.716 with subscale values from 0.70 to 0.72, all of which were above the acceptable threshold. McDonald's omega was also calculated and the value was 0.769. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the earthquake risk perception questionnaire has appropriate validity and reliability. Based on the results of the Earthquake Risk Perception Questionnaire with 23 questions and 5 factors (perceived vulnerability, severity, self-efficacy, response efficacy, fear), a standard and acceptable questionnaire for conducting studies is introduced. Keywords: Design, Psychometrics, Risk Perception, Earthquake