Tailoring disaster risk reduction for adolescents: Qualitative perspectives from China and Nepal

There is great potential for adolescents to play an active role in disaster response. Yet a dearth of evidence limits efforts to provide age-appropriate services and roles after emergencies. Sixty-nine adolescents (51% female, ages 13–19) and 72 adults (47% female, ages 22–66) participated in key informant interviews and focus group discussions in disaster-affected areas of China and Nepal. Using inductive content analysis, several themes were identified as key to adolescents’ needs prior to and following disaster exposure. Safety and security emerged as a central issue, interconnected with preparedness training, timely and equitable disaster response, psychosocial support, and adolescent participation in risk reduction. Adolescents’ contributions to disaster response were varied and substantial; including involvement in rescue efforts, delivering first aid, conducting security patrols, transferring building materials, caring for family members and assisting with health education. Participants forwarded a number of recommendations, including stronger systems of protection and family reunification, investing in psychological support, and the delivery of disaster-specific education and skills based training programs. The recognition of adolescents’ potential to contribute to rebuilding after disasters is imperative, as is the development of services that take into account their specific needs.