The Effect of Health Belief Model-Based Disaster Education for Parents of Children With Special Needs on General Disaster Preparedness Beliefs and Disaster Preparedness Levels

This study aims to evaluate the effect of a Health Belief Model (HBM)-based disaster education program on general disaster preparedness beliefs and disaster preparedness levels among parents of children with special needs. Children with special healthcare and developmental needs are particularly vulnerable during disasters, and parental readiness plays a critical role in mitigating risks. The study is designed as a quasi-experimental (or randomized controlled) interventional trial with an intervention and a control group to determine whether structured, model-based training improves preparedness behaviors and disaster beliefs among parents.

Inclusion Criteria: * Being between 18 and 65 years of age * Being a parent or primary caregiver of a child with special health care needs * Having received no prior formal training or education on disaster preparedness * Having adequate communication skills to conduct interviews (e.g., having no severe hearing or speech impairments) * Volunteering to participate and providing written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Having a diagnosed mental/psychiatric disorder prior to or during the study period