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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XV, Issue VI, June 2026
A Correlational Study on the Level of Disaster Preparedness and
Emergency Response Confidence Levels of Nursing Students of St.
Mary’s College of Baliuag, Inc., A.Y. 2025–2026
Chrizendric F. Ortega, Althea Camille V. Alano, Adelyn I. De Mayo, Ashley Hipolito, Chloe Anne E.
Maniego, Alliah Kyle C. Orpila, Zhac Gabrielle B. Santos
St. Mary's College of Baliuag BSN Department
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2026.150600140
Received: 24 June 2026; Accepted: 29 June 2026; Published: 16 July 2026
ABSTRACT
The development of disaster preparedness and emergency response competencies is one of the most important
areas of education that all nursing students need to acquire because they will be on the front lines during a
disaster. Therefore, this study investigated Nursing students' preparedness behavior, knowledge of disaster
related terms, and their confidence to respond in emergencies. In addition, it examined the relationships
between the three variables. Descriptive and correlational methods were used. Altogether 215 BSN students
completed a written survey designed to collect data. The results indicated a high degree of BSN students'
preparedness behavior (mean percent = 61.86%), primarily through receiving information about disasters.
However, there were some low scores when students answered questions about their preparation for planning
and having access to emergency telephone numbers. The BSN students had moderate knowledge regarding
disaster preparedness (overall mean = 57.21%). These findings indicate that the students have limited
knowledge about the specifics of what to do during a disaster. Although the BSN students stated they were
confident in responding to emergencies (overall mean = 3.98), the correlation between their knowledge and
confidence was not significantly related (r = .369). The implications of these findings suggest that confidence
cannot be solely based on theory or knowledge; therefore, including hands-on practice, simulations, and drills
should be included in the BSN program to develop both competency and readiness for disaster situations.
Keywords: Disaster preparedness; Emergency Response; Knowledge; Confidence; BSN Students;
Correlational Study
INTRODUCTION
The Philippines is a country prone to several natural disasters as it lies in the Pacific Ring of
Fire as well as the Western Pacific Typhoon belt making it number one on the list in the World
Risk Index for countries prone to natural disasters. The recent disasters in the country have
been Typhoon Kalmaegi in 2025 that brought about widespread flooding and displacement as
well as a 6.9 magnitude quake that brought about severe infrastructure destruction in northern
Cebu. The above-mentioned makes it clear how necessary it is to prepare for disasters. It is
important that nurses should learn to deal with such situations. The current study will focus
on assessing disaster preparedness as well as the level of confidence in emergency response
among nursing students in St. Mary's College of Baliuag, Inc. in the academic year 2025-
2026. Other variables will include knowledge of flood disasters, self-efficacy and risk
perception.
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,
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REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Hashish, et al. (2023) examined the attitudes, knowledge, and perceptions of disaster preparedness among
nursing students in Saudi Arabia. The study found that while most students demonstrated positive attitudes
and perceived competence in disaster response, their actual knowledge of disaster nursing concepts was
insufficient. The findings highlighted a gap between confidence and foundational knowledge, emphasizing
the need for stronger disaster education. The authors recommended integrating disaster nursing and
preparedness into undergraduate nursing curricula through simulations and training to better equip future
nurses for disaster situations. Hasan et al. (2024) found that nursing students in Bangladesh demonstrated
moderate levels of disaster preparedness, disaster knowledge, disaster skills, and disaster response self-
efficacy. The study revealed significant positive relationships among these factors, indicating that greater
knowledge and skills contribute to better preparedness and confidence in disaster situations. However, the
moderate levels observed suggest a need for further improvement. The authors recommended integrating
disaster management education, including training, workshops, drills, and simulations, into nursing curricula
to enhance students’ disaster preparedness and response capabilities. Aurelio et al. (2022) examined the
knowledge, attitudes, and practices of disaster preparedness among nursing students in the Philippines. The
study found that students generally possessed good knowledge of disaster preparedness concepts and positive
attitudes toward disaster readiness. However, many were not consistently mentally and physically prepared
for disasters. A significant relationship was found between knowledge and preparedness practices, suggesting
that greater understanding promotes more proactive disaster preparedness. The authors recommended
incorporating continuous education, training workshops, and disaster drills into nursing programs to further
strengthen students’ preparedness.
Kang, et. al. (2022) found that nursing students with higher levels of disaster preparedness and a greater
willingness to participate in disaster response demonstrated stronger disaster nursing competency. The study
also revealed that disaster awareness was significantly associated with students’ willingness to engage in
disaster response activities. These findings highlight the importance of disaster-related education and training
in improving nursing students’ confidence, preparedness, and competency. The authors recommended
integrating structured disaster preparedness programs into nursing curricula to enhance disaster awareness
and response capabilities among future nurses.
Statement of the Problem
This study aims to assess the level of disaster preparedness and emergency response confidence among
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students at St. Mary’s College of Baliuag, Inc. for the Academic
Year 2025–2026. It seeks to determine the extent to which nursing students possess the necessary preparedness
behaviors and knowledge toward disasters and to examine whether these factors are significantly related to
their confidence in responding effectively during emergency situations.
Specifically, it aims to answer the following research questions:
1. What is the level of disaster preparedness of nursing students in terms of:
1.1 preparedness behaviors, including the possession and utilization of evacuation plans, emergency kits,
emergency hotlines, disaster plans, and reliable sources of disaster information and;
1.2 knowledge of disaster-related concepts regarding appropriate actions before, during, and after disasters
2. What is the level of emergency response confidence of nursing students during disaster and emergency
situations?
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3. Is there any significant relationship between the nursing students’ level of disaster preparedness and their
level of emergency response confidence?
METHODS
A descriptive-correlational research design was used to gather data and examine relationships between
variables without changing them. This study took place at St. Mary’s College of Baliuag, Inc. located in
Racelis St., Poblacion, Baliuag, Bulacan, Philippines. The college was chosen because it has a population of
nursing students from different backgrounds.
The study included 215 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students for the Academic Year 2025–
2026. These students were selected using a method called random sampling. This ensured that students from
all levels and sections of all year were represented proportionally. A special questionnaire was used to collect
data. It was divided into sections that assessed preparedness behaviors, knowledge of disaster-related concepts
and confidence in emergency response.
Data collection started with getting approval from the college administration. Then informed consent was
obtained from the participants. Surveys were given during time to avoid disrupting classes. Confidentiality
and voluntary participation were strictly observed.
Data were analyzed using statistics such as frequency, percentage and weighted mean. These helped determine
levels of preparedness, knowledge and confidence. A statistical test called Pearson’s product-moment
correlation coefficient was used to test the relationship between variables. The study followed standards,
including anonymity and compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012. Proper disposal of data, after analysis
was also ensured.
Data Presentation and Analysis
Table 1. BSN Students’ Level of Preparedness Behaviors
Preparedness Behaviors
No.
Responses
%
VD
1. Do you have any emergency kits in your household?
161
74.88
HP
2. Do you have any evacuation plans in your household?
111
51.63
MP
3. Aside from “911,” do you know any official emergency
hotline numbers to call in case of an emergency?
53
24.65
LP
4. Do you check social media for updates on typhoons,
flooding, or earthquakes?
207
96.28
VHP
Total / Overall Mean Percentage
n = 215
61.86
HP
Legend:
Percentage Range
Verbal Description
80 - 100
Very High Preparedness (VHP)
60 - 79
High Preparedness (HP)
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40 - 59
Moderate Preparedness (MP)
20 - 39
Low Preparedness (LP)
0 - 19
Very Low Preparedness (VLP)
The computed overall mean percentage registers at 61.86%, with a verbal description of High Preparedness
(HP). The results show that although BSN students exhibit a high level of preparedness behaviors, they are
more likely to engage in passive and information-based practices, such as keeping an eye on social media
updates, than in active and structured preparedness measures, such as creating evacuation plans and being
aware of emergency hotlines. This underscores the necessity of increased awareness and training programs
that concentrate on comprehensive disaster preparedness, especially in enhancing the planning and
communication aspects.
Table 2. BSN Students’ Level of Knowledge of Disaster-related Concepts
No. Responses
%
VD
133
61.86
HP
65
30.23
LP
160
74.42
HP
n = 215
55.50
MP
No. Responses
%
VD
154
71.63
HP
111
51.63
MP
119
48.37
MP
n = 215
59.53
MP
No. Responses
%
VD
159
73.95
HP
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93
43.26
MP
113
52.56
MP
n = 215
56.59
MP
57.21
MP
Legend:
Percentage Range
Verbal Description
80 - 100
Very High Preparedness (VHP)
60 - 79
High Preparedness (HP)
40 - 59
Moderate Preparedness (MP)
20 - 39
Low Preparedness (LP)
0 - 19
Very Low Preparedness (VLP)
The overall computed mean percentage records at 57.21%, described as Moderate Preparedness (MP). It
reveals that BSN students possess an overall moderate level of knowledge of disaster-related concepts across
all phases. While relatively higher knowledge is observed in certain preparedness and recovery situations,
lower scores in specific items, particularly in anticipatory and response actions, are evident. This suggests
inconsistencies in understanding and highlights the need for strengthened instruction and training focused on
comprehensive disaster management, especially in enhancing critical thinking and decision-making skills
across all disaster phases.
Table 3. BSN Students’ Level of Emergency Response Confidence
Item Statement
Mea
n
VD
1. I am confident in my ability to decide what actions to take in an actual emergency.
3.96
HL
2. I can prioritize tasks effectively when multiple people need help during an
immediate disaster.
3.87
HL
3. I am confident in recognizing situations that require immediate referral to higher
authorities or professionals during a disaster.
4.01
HL
4. I am confident in providing basic first aid to injured individuals during a disaster.
3.93
HL
5. I am confident in protecting myself from hazards while helping others.
4.15
HL
6. I am confident in taking initiative in emergencies without waiting for instructions.
3.84
HL
7. I am confident in working as part of a team during disaster response activities.
4.11
HL
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8. I am confident in managing fear, anxiety, or stress while responding to
emergencies.
3.95
HL
9. I am confident in guiding or instructing others safely during a disaster situation.
4.00
HL
10. I am confident in using emergency equipment (e.g., fire extinguisher, first aid
kit, evacuation tools) during a disaster.
3.96
HL
Overall Mean and Verbal Description
3.98
HL
Legend:
Scale
Verbal Description
4.21 – 5.00
Strongly Agree (SA)/Very High Level (VHL)
3.41 – 4.20
Agree (A)/High Level (HL)
2.61 – 3.40
Moderately Agree (MA)/Moderate Level (ML)
1.81 – 2.60
Disagree (D)/Low Level (LL)
1.00 – 1.80
Strongly Disagree (SD)/Very Low Level (VLL)
The highest mean score of 4.15, with a verbal description of High Level (HL). Meanwhile, the lowest mean
score of 3.84 is recorded in “I am confident in taking initiative in emergencies without waiting for
instructions,” which is also described as High Level (HL). Furthermore, the computed overall mean score
registers at 3.98, which is verbally interpreted as High Level (HL).
Table 4. The Correlation Analyses on the Relationship between the BSN Students’ Level of Knowledge of
Disaster-related Concepts and Emergency Response Confidence
Variables
r-value
p-value
Knowledge of Disaster-related Concepts &
Emergency Response Confidence
0.369
0.328
Legend:
**
=
highly significant
(p
≤
0.01)
*
=
significant
(p
≤
0.05)
Numbers not enclosed with parentheses are computed r-value (Correlation Value) Numbers enclosed with
parentheses are probability values
These findings imply that while knowledge of disaster-related concepts may support confidence, it is not the
sole factor influencing BSN students’ readiness. It suggests that practical experience, hands-on training,
teamwork, and stress management are likely to play a stronger role in shaping emergency response
confidence. Therefore, integrating theoretical instruction with experiential learning, simulation exercises, and
real-life exposure is essential to further enhance both the competence and confidence of BSN students in
disaster situations.
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These findings are consistent with the current study, which revealed a positive correlation (r = 0.369) between
knowledge and emergency response confidence.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the results of the findings and conclusions gathered, the researchers would like to recommend the
following:
1. The SMCB College of Nursing could enhance the curriculum by integrating theoretical instruction
with experiential learning, simulation exercises, and real-life exposure is essential to further enhance
both the competence and confidence of BSN students in disaster situations. As well as more exposure
to task prioritization suggests opportunities for further training, simulation exercises, and real-life
exposure to enhance their readiness and independence during disaster situations rather than pure basic
first-aid training and fire or earthquake drill. The findings underscore the necessity of increased
awareness and physical training programs that concentrate on comprehensive disaster preparedness,
especially in enhancing the planning and communication aspects.
2. Faculty members and clinical instructors could reinforce more real-life situation occurrence that
involves initiatives, proper way of communication, and concentrates on comprehensive disaster
preparedness as part of the return demonstrations. They should adopt innovative and experiential
teaching strategies such as inclusion of case-based learning, simulations, and scenario-based exercises.
3. Nursing students could be encouraged to be involved in comprehensive training about what to do
during the occurrence of a disaster such as what management and responsibility does they hold in and
be engaged in active planning.
4. Future researchers are encouraged to expand the scope of respondents and explore this study to further
analyze the other factors such as psychological experiences that influence disaster preparedness,
confidence and responses of BSN students.
REFERENCES
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attitude, and practice regarding disaster preparedness: A cross-sectional study. Risk Management and
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2. Aurelio, M. (2022). Perceptions of disaster preparedness among nursing students in Luzon. Philippine
Journal of Nursing, 92(2), 45-53.https://www.pna-ph.org/philippine-journal-of-nursing
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