Disaster preparedness among foreign residents in a rural area of Japan: A qualitative pilot study

Abstract

Aim: Japan is a particularly disaster-prone country, with natural disasters posing a constant threat to the health and safety of the country's residents. Foreign residents in Japan have been identified as a group considered more vulnerable to disasters occurring in the country. The purpose of this paper is to describe findings from a pilot study exploring knowledge and perspectives related to disaster preparedness among foreign residents in Japan. It also highlights ways that public health nurses can contribute to enhanced disaster preparedness among members of this group. Methods: A qualitative pilot study using key informant interviews and small group discussions was conducted. Participants were foreign residents living in two small cities in central Japan. A semi-structured interview guide was used, which focused discussion on knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to participants' household disaster preparedness. Interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Fifteen participants (N=15) were interviewed. Four major themes emerged: attitudes regarding disaster preparedness and risk; sense of community; perceived ability to prepare for disasters; and disaster preparedness behaviors. Participants provided suggestions on how to engage with foreign residents living in Japan regarding improving disaster preparedness among this population. Conclusions: Findings suggest that communal linkages and language barriers were important factors influencing disaster preparedness among foreign residents in Japan. Information gained from this pilot study can serve as a basis for larger follow-up research studies, as well as provide insight on how to adapt community resources and services to better address the disaster preparedness needs of Japan's foreign residents.

Factors related to immigrants’ disaster preparedness: A scoping review

“…Older age and the presence of children were associated with higher preparedness (Dasgupta et al, 2020;Green, Linley, Whitney, & Sano, 2021;Nishiyama & Glauberman, 2022). The participants mentioned that their children made disaster kits after learning about them at school (Nishiyama & Glauberman, 2022).…”

“…The proportion of respondents with emergency plans ranged from 9% to 45% (Abukhalaf, von Meding, Dooling, & Abusal, 2022;Bethel, Burke, & Britt, 2013;Carter-Pokras et al, 2007;Nishiyama & Glauberman, 2022). However, Nepal, Banerjee, Perry and Scott (2012) found that most participants lacked adequate emergency plans.…”

“…Immigrants with an Engineer/ Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa (one type of Japan work visa) were more likely to have emergency plans (Green et al, 2021). Business owners had more opportunities to engage in community disaster preparedness activities (Nishiyama & Glauberman, 2022), and immigrant homeowners reported higher preparedness (Green et al, 2021;Maldonado et al, 2016).…”

“…Immigrants with previous disaster experience were more likely to be more prepared for future disasters (Abukhalaf et al, 2022;Abukhalaf & von Meding, 2021;Eisenman et al, 2009;Nishiyama & Glauberman, 2022). Experience of other hardships in their home countries or living in remote areas increased their confidence in preparing for and surviving natural disasters (Nishiyama & Glauberman, 2022). Lack of knowledge decreased preparedness (Abukhalaf & von Meding, 2021;Burke et al, 2012;Dasgupta et al, 2020;Maldonado et al, 2016;Nishiyama & Glauberman, 2022).…”

“…Experience of other hardships in their home countries or living in remote areas increased their confidence in preparing for and surviving natural disasters (Nishiyama & Glauberman, 2022). Lack of knowledge decreased preparedness (Abukhalaf & von Meding, 2021;Burke et al, 2012;Dasgupta et al, 2020;Maldonado et al, 2016;Nishiyama & Glauberman, 2022). The lack of basic knowledge about disasters, disaster locations, and preparation methods hindered their preparation.…”