Artisanal fishers: Knowledge on disaster risk, psychological preparedness, and psychosocial factors of resiliency

Abstract

This study examined the knowledge on disaster risk, psychological preparedness for disaster threat and psychosocial factors of resiliency among artisanal fishers after typhoon Yolanda. Eighty-eight artisanal fishers participated in eight focus group discussions (FGDs) with 8-15 members each. They were administered a Hiligaynon-translated subscale of the Psychological Preparedness for Disaster Threat Scale or PPDTS (Zulch, Morrissey, Reser & Creed, 2012) and were asked questions guided by the developed Knowledge on Disaster Risk interview schedule and Psychosocial Factors of Resiliency interview schedule. Results showed that participants became more knowledgeable on disaster risk after typhoon Yolanda. Their knowledge is influenced by internal and external factors. They also displayed a high psychological preparedness for disaster threat. Psychosocial factors of resiliency that worked best for the participants are being resourceful and initiating a self-help strategy, assuming family- responsibility, faith in God, and material support coming from the different institutions.