Socioeconomic and health inequalities in disaster preparedness among older adults in Türkiye

Background

Older adults are particularly vulnerable during disasters due to functional, health-related, and social limitations. This study examined determinants of disaster preparedness, awareness, and perceived response capacity among older adults in Türkiye.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used data from the 2023 Türkiye Elderly Profile Survey (n = 26,905). Survey-weighted logistic regression analyses were conducted using Stata 13.0. Outcomes included disaster awareness education, disaster experience, first aid training, availability of emergency help, knowledge of shelters, preparedness measures, and perceived service access and institutional response. Independent variables included age, sex, education, income, social security, marital status, chronic disease, depressive symptoms, and functional independence.

Results

Socioeconomic gradients were observed across preparedness indicators. Higher education increased the likelihood of first aid training (aOR=4.20, 95%CI:3.76–4.70), disaster-related knowledge (aOR=2.51, 95%CI:2.21–2.85), and knowledge of shelters (aOR=1.77,95%CI:1.60–1.96). Increasing age was associated with lower preparedness (first aid training aOR=0.94; disaster knowledge aOR=0.97 per year). Men had higher odds of first aid training (aOR=2.70,95%CI:2.48–2.93) and emergency number awareness (aOR=2.56, 95%CI:2.39–2.75). Depression and chronic disease were negatively associated, while functional independence was positively associated with preparedness. Higher education was associated with lower perceived access to disaster services (aOR=0.68,95%CI:0.61–0.75).

Conclusions

Disaster preparedness among older adults in Türkiye is shaped by socioeconomic and health inequalities. Those with lower education and income, chronic disease, depression, and functional dependency are particularly vulnerable. Equity-oriented strategies should prioritize targeted education, risk communication, mental health integration, and community-based emergency response systems.

Key messages

• Disaster preparedness among older adults in Türkiye is unequally distributed by education, income, health status, and functional capacity.

• Targeted, equity-oriented disaster education and community-based support systems are needed for medically and socially vulnerable older adults