A systematic review of risk perception and natural disaster preparedness of validated questionnaires

  • Prudence Secchin de Sousa Vaz Sampaio Ribeiro Instituto de Humanidades, Artes e Ciências. Universidade Federal do Sul da Bahia (UFSB), Campus Jorge Amado, Rodovia Ilhéus/Itabuna, KM 22, CEP: 45600-970, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil.
  • Vanessa Souto Paulo Instituto de Humanidades, Artes e Ciências. Universidade Federal do Sul da Bahia (UFSB), Campus Jorge Amado, Rodovia Ilhéus/Itabuna, KM 22, CEP: 45600-970, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil.
  • Marco Paulo Vaz Sampaio Ribeiro Instituto de Humanidades, Artes e Ciências. Universidade Federal do Sul da Bahia (UFSB), Campus Jorge Amado, Rodovia Ilhéus/Itabuna, KM 22, CEP: 45600-970, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil.
  • Pã da Silva Lôpo Instituto de Humanidades, Artes e Ciências. Universidade Federal do Sul da Bahia (UFSB), Campus Jorge Amado, Rodovia Ilhéus/Itabuna, KM 22, CEP: 45600-970, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil.
  • Ita Oliveira e Silva Instituto de Humanidades, Artes e Ciências. Universidade Federal do Sul da Bahia (UFSB), Campus Jorge Amado, Rodovia Ilhéus/Itabuna, KM 22, CEP: 45600-970, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil.
  • Vanner Boere Instituto de Humanidades, Artes e Ciências. Universidade Federal do Sul da Bahia (UFSB), Campus Jorge Amado, Rodovia Ilhéus/Itabuna, KM 22, CEP: 45600-970, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil.

Abstract

This study presents a systematic review of validated questionnaires for assessing risk perception and preparedness for natural disasters across diverse geographic and cultural contexts. The study focused on articles about people's perceptions of natural disasters, published between 2000 and 2023 in scientific databases. Of 100 articles, only 5 met the criteria. There is heterogeneity across the questionnaires, with variations in the assessed dimensions and the scales used. Most studies examined risk perception and preparedness for specific disasters, showing a limited relationship between awareness and the adoption of preventive measures. Gaps in methodological approaches were identified, including the lack of longitudinal studies and the underrepresentation of developing countries. Further studies with validated questionnaires are recommended, especially in developing countries.

Keywords: environmental disasters, preparedness, review, risk perception.

Published
11/06/2026
Section
Papers