This article presents the results of a qualitative study of household earthquake and community-level preparedness in Serbia and its relationship to various demographic factors. A series of 1,018 ...face-to-face interviews were conducted at the beginning of 2017 in eight Serbian municipalities. The results show that the population is generally unprepared, with low percentages of reported enhanced preparedness levels. In addition to presenting its findings, the study also considers future research directions, including using this study as a basis for more detailed research and to assist in facilitating community-led programs and strategies to increase earthquake safety.
Background/Aim. Assisting students face high academic demands which, together with interpersonal, intrapersonal and professional requirements, can be a significant source of stress. The aim of the ...study was to examine the intensity and frequency of the source of stress, coping strategies and identify gender differences among students, future assisting professionals. Methods. An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted amongst the students of the University of the Belgrade Faculty of Security (Serbia) who, after graduation, will acquire the title of a security manager responsible for human resources in the civil sector. The data were collected in the period October-November 2018. The authorized questionnaire SSM-30 by Jovic (Stress scale for the young ? 30) was used, which enables students to assess the stress situations intensity on a scale from 1 (minimum) to 10 (maximum intensity). The SSM-30 questionnaire is a combination of the standard Life Events Scale ? Holmes Rashe Life Events Scale, also known as the Social Readjustment Rating Scale and life events characteristic for the student population. The questionnaire also included the sample demographic characteristics ? gender, and a year of study. The SSM-30 scale includes a list of stressful events and stress coping mechanisms shown in the results. Results. The most common sources of stress in both genders were social and academic ones: death in the family, critical illness in the family, an accident of a person they care about, unwanted pregnancy, lies from close people, disagreement with parents, loss of a study year, crisis, uncertainty after graduation and partner?s infidelity. The most frequently used mechanisms for controlling and overcoming stress were mostly social: talking with friends, listening to music, family support, frequent walks, socializing and going out, using the Internet, frequent sleep, intense physical activity, crying and relaxation. Statistically significant differences between the genders were confirmed ? female students demonstrated self-worth of higher intensity during the majority of stressful situations, as they use different stress coping mechanisms from their male students. Conclusion. The results obtained with regard to the assessment of stressors and the use of specific mechanisms for coping point to the need of additional education of students in this field in order to be more focused and open for free professional help, when necessary.
Vulnerability is an essential feature of an element at risk (community, region, country, the environment) which determines the expected damage caused by a hazard. Vulnerability modified over time and ...it depended on physical, social, economic and environmental factors. Vulnerability became multidimensional, multidisciplinary, multi-sectoral and dynamic in contemporary circumstances. In the past decades, vulnerability to natural hazards took precedence over technological and other hazards threatening the community. The necessity to assess threat, vulnerability and the prevention of natural hazards was emphasized in the key national normative legal acts of the Republic of Serbia. A resolute commitment of the country to lay down the laws to regulate this field and establish a system to make a functional response to natural hazards through institutions was followed by difficult circumstances in practice. In addition to permanent flood hazard vulnerability, landslide and earthquake vulnerability, weak socio-economic profile i.e. the insufficient flexibility of the community and the unclear role of government bodies, municipal civil protection service and the service for protection from natural disasters were also insufficiently equipped. Nowadays, government efforts to solve problems in order to improve its own possibilities for reducing vulnerability to natural hazards are evident. The most important are those related to proper financing of the protection system. The application of SCN model would provide a more stable transfer of financial resources, as well as the transfer of necessary manpower and material resources from national to local level.
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