# Implementation of Disaster Prevention Education and Maternal and Child Health Handbook Guidance for Pregnant Women in Japanese Medical Institutions: A Pilot Study

## TL;DR

This pilot study explores how disaster prevention education and guidance on using the Maternal and Child Health Handbook are implemented in Japanese medical institutions for pregnant women.

## Contribution

The study identifies institutional factors influencing disaster preparedness education and MCHH guidance for pregnant women in Japan.

## Key findings

- Only 32.1% of the 28 responding facilities implemented disaster prevention education.
- Perinatal medical centers were more likely to provide MCHH guidance during disasters.
- Institutional characteristics appear to influence disaster preparedness information provision.

## Abstract

Background: In disaster-prone countries like Japan, disaster prevention education (DPE) is considered essential for vulnerable populations, including pregnant women. This pilot study aimed to clarify the status of DPE and the use of the Maternal and Child Health Handbook (MCHH) in medical institutions during disasters. Methods: This cross-sectional pilot study was conducted in 2020. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was distributed to administrators at 101 medical facilities across three Japanese prefectures. Descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact test were used to analyze the implementation of DPE and associated factors, focusing on MCHH guidance (medical history, identification, and carrying the handbook). Results: Of the 28 facilities with valid responses, 9 (32.1%) implemented DPE. There was a tendency for guidance on MCHH usage during disasters to be provided in facilities that were General or Regional Perinatal Medical Centers (n = 5, 83.3%; p = 0.007). Despite limited sample sizes in some categories, the results suggested that specific institutional characteristics influence the provision of disaster preparedness information. Conclusions: While perinatal medical centers are multifaceted and busy, they play an essential role in emphasizing the importance of the MCHH during disasters. Facilities already providing DPE should integrate broader preparedness measures alongside specific MCHH guidance to improve maternal and child safety.