Disaster literacy and preparedness among nursing students in earthquake-affected Turkey: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Aim This study aims to assess nursing students’ natural disaster literacy and disaster preparedness levels and to explore the relationship between these factors. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in the nursing department of a health sciences faculty at a university located in a province affected by the earthquake in southeastern Türkiye.The sample of the study consisted of 302 students. Data were collected using a demographic characteristics. form, the Natural Disaster Literacy Scale and the Disaster Preparedness Scale. Results The mean total score for the students on the Natural Disaster Literacy Behavior Scale was found to be medium level as 36.54 ± 4.59. The mean total score for the students on the Natural Disaster Literacy Affective Disposition Scale was found to be high level as 47.75 ± 4.22. The mean total score for the students on the Disaster Preparedness Scale was found to be 27.85 ± 3.40. There is no statistically relationship was found between nursing students’ Natural Disaster Literacy and Disaster Preparedness. Conclusions The conclusion of the study revealed that while students exhibited a moderate level of natural disaster literacy behaviors, their affective tendencies toward natural disaster literacy were high. The students’ average total score on the disaster preparedness scale was slightly above the scale’s overall mean score. There was no correlation identified between nursing students’ knowledge of natural disasters and their level of disaster preparedness. Knowledge and attitude cultivation alone seldom converts into concrete disaster-prevention actions. Going forward, nursing education should build on theoretical coursework by systematically integrating scenario-based simulations, hands-on drills, and interprofessional collaboration. Such measures will progressively strengthen students’ practical skills and emergency decision-making abilities, thereby comprehensively enhancing their effectiveness in real-world disaster situations. Clinical trial number Not applicable.