Assessment of the Effectiveness of a Planned Teaching Programme on Knowledge Regarding Disaster Preparedness Among Adults Residing in Rural Area of Ragyan Shimla, HP: A Quasi Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Mountainous terrains such as Himachal Pradesh are intrinsically vulnerable to recurring geological and hydrometeorological disasters, including landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, and seismic tremors. Community health literacy and pre-disaster readiness constitute vital determinants for minimizing casualties, psychological distress, and economic destruction. Objectives: The study aimed to assess baseline knowledge regarding disaster preparedness among rural adults, design and administer a structured Planned Teaching Programme (PTP), evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention, and ascertain associations between knowledge levels and socio-demographic factors. Methods: A quantitative, quasi-experimental one-group pre-test post-test design was conducted in April 2026 among 66 adults aged 20?40 years residing in rural Ragyan, Shimla, selected via simple random sampling. Baseline knowledge was captured using a validated 35-item structured questionnaire (r = 0.856). The PTP intervention incorporated audio-visual media, structured guidelines on disaster phases, mountain hazard mitigation, triage tagging, and emergency alert software (SACHET app). A post-test was administered seven days post-intervention. Data were analysed using paired t-tests and Chi-square tests. Results: Prior to the PTP, 71.2% (n = 47) demonstrated poor knowledge, 28.8% (n = 19) had average knowledge, and 0.0% achieved good knowledge. Post-intervention, 92.4% (n = 61) attained good knowledge, 7.6% (n = 5) had average knowledge, and none remained in the poor category. The mean knowledge score improved significantly from 15.55 ± 2.56 (44.4%) at pre-test to 28.27 ± 1.83 (80.8%) at post-test, reflecting an absolute mean gain of 12.73 (36.4%). Paired t-test verified a statistically significant increase (t = 8.541, p < 0.001). No statistically significant association was observed between pre- or post-intervention knowledge levels and demographic variables (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The Planned Teaching Programme demonstrated substantial efficacy in empowering rural adults with essential disaster mitigation, preparedness, and triage knowledge. Grassroots educational interventions led by community health nurses provide a viable, high-impact framework for disaster risk reduction in ecologically sensitive mountain regions.