A2 Review article, Literature review, Systematic review
A systematic review of human behaviour in and around floodwater (2020)


Hamilton, K., Demant, D., Peden, A. E., & Hagger, M. S. (2020). A systematic review of human behaviour in and around floodwater. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 47, Article 101561. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2020.101561


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editorsHamilton, Kyra; Demant, Daniel; Peden, Amy E.; Hagger, Martin S.

Journal or seriesInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction

eISSN2212-4209

Publication year2020

Volume47

Article number101561

PublisherElsevier

Publication countryUnited Kingdom

Publication languageEnglish

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2020.101561

Publication open accessNot open

Publication channel open access

Web address of parallel published publication (pre-print)https://psyarxiv.com/cqdtz/


Abstract

Flooding can have a major impact on people's safety and livelihood. Understanding people's flood-related behaviours may assist in the development of more effective strategies aimed at lessening the impact of floods including mortality and morbidity. This systematic review examined peer-reviewed literature published from January-1989 to April-2019 on human behaviour in and around floodwater to identify behaviour patterns as well as protective and risk factors. We extracted three main themes from a thematic analysis of included studies (N = 54): activities and risk-taking behaviours (n = 24); loss reduction, knowledge, and warnings (n = 37); and diet and hygiene (n = 4). This review had limitations which prevented definitive conclusions being made. What does seem apparent is the limited knowledge of the social psychological mechanisms that guide behavioural responses in a flood event. Further exploration of methods to improve preparedness, increase the likelihood of evacuation, and reduce ‘risky’ behaviour during floods is needed. Future studies should prioritise addressing these gaps to enhance the evidence-base for reducing the impact of floods including flood-related mortality and morbidity.


Keywordsnatural disastersfloodsbehavioural patternsrisk-taking behaviourdrowning

Free keywordssystematic review; flood; behaviour; non-fatal drowning


Contributing organizations


Ministry reportingYes

Reporting Year2020

JUFO rating1


Last updated on 2024-11-03 at 14:27