Integrating Public Health and Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction: Effectiveness of Disaster Alert Group Formation in Enhancing Preparedness in Disaster-Prone Communities

Indonesia is among the world's most disaster-prone countries, where disasters frequently disrupt public health systems and increase community health risks. Although Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) has been widely implemented, evidence regarding the integration of disaster preparedness with public health remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of establishing community-based disaster alert groups in improving public health preparedness among disaster-prone communities in Agam Regency, West Sumatra. A mixed-methods study employing a quasi-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design combined with a Community-Based Participatory Research approach was conducted among 60 purposively selected residents. Preparedness knowledge, attitudes, and practices were assessed using a validated questionnaire (Cronbach's α = 0.82–0.88). Quantitative data were analyzed using paired-sample t-tests and Cohen's d effect sizes, while qualitative data were examined through Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. Significant improvements were observed in preparedness knowledge (mean increase = 22.15; d = 1.66; p < 0.001), attitudes (19.15; d = 1.46; p < 0.001), and practices (21.65; d = 1.68; p < 0.001). Qualitative analysis identified six themes, including enhanced disaster-health literacy, greater community ownership, strengthened preparedness practices, improved risk communication, reinforced social capital, and sustainability challenges. Overall, integrating public health education, disaster simulations, and community-based disaster alert groups effectively strengthened disaster preparedness and community resilience. These findings support the integration of public health components into CBDRR programs as a sustainable strategy for enhancing preparedness in disaster-prone communities.