Psychological resilience and disaster preparedness among parents of children with hearing impairments: a cross-sectional analysis

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Background Families of children with disabilities are considered vulnerable populations in disaster contexts due to communication barriers, increased caregiving demands, and limited access to emergency resources. Psychological resilience, defined as the capacity to adapt positively in the face of adversity, may function as a protective factor influencing disaster preparedness behaviors. However, evidence regarding the role of parental psychological resilience in shaping disaster preparedness among parents of children with hearing impairment remains limited. Methods This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between December 2023 and January 2025 with 183 parents of children with hearing impairment. Data were collected using a Parent–Child Information Form, the Adult Psychological Resilience Scale, and the Disaster Preparedness Scale. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t -test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis were performed using SPSS 29.0. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results Psychological resilience was positively and significantly associated with disaster preparedness ( r = 0.227, p = 0.002). Regression analysis indicated that psychological resilience was significantly associated with disaster preparedness levels ( β = 0.23, B = 0.16, p = 0.002). Parents with higher resilience scores demonstrated higher preparedness levels. Education level, prior disaster training, and home preparedness behaviors were also significantly associated with both resilience and preparedness. The effect size of resilience was low, suggesting that disaster preparedness is a multidimensional construct influenced by both psychological and socio-structural factors. Conclusion Psychological resilience is a significant but not solely sufficient protective factor for disaster preparedness among parents of children with hearing impairment. Integrating psychosocial strengthening components into disaster preparedness interventions may enhance behavioral readiness in vulnerable families. Public health strategies should prioritize inclusive, family-centered, and accessible preparedness programs to support resilience and reduce disaster-related vulnerabilities.