Assessing Human Resources Development in Volcano Observatories Using the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Survey

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the role played by the International Training Course, given by the Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes (CSAV) at the University of Hawai’i at Hilo, in the development of human resources for volcano observatory staff around the world. The study design included a literature review, interviews with representatives from 10 national volcano observatories, and electronic surveys designed and conducted by Florida International University, targeting graduates of training courses sponsored by the Volcano Disaster Assistance Program (VDAP), a cooperative partnership between the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the US Geological Survey (USGS). The knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) method was used to develop a survey and a composite KAP index. Of the 92 individuals who answered the survey, 47 had completed the CSAV course. Two groups were formed from the survey respondents: (1) 47 people who were CSAV graduates; and (2) 45 people who did not take CSAV training. An independent samples t test and a one-way multivariate analysis were conducted to compare the KAP index and the three subindices. The heads of the volcano observatories identified the CSAV International Training as one of the most useful educational offerings relevant to volcano observatory operations available worldwide. The statistical analysis showed significant differences in the KAP index, knowledge subindex, and practice subindex between the two study groups. Results indicate that CSAV graduates are in a better position to attain self-sufficiency in studying and monitoring volcanoes, and by doing so, contribute more effectively to mitigation efforts for volcanic unrest and eruptions. The purpose of this study was to assess the role played by the International Training Course by the Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes (ITC-CSAV), held at the University of Hawai’i at Hilo, in the development of human resources for volcano observatory staff around the world. The study included: (1) interviews conducted with 10 heads of national volcano observatories from Latin American and South Asian countries, and (2) an electronic survey, based on the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) method, targeting graduates of different training courses sponsored worldwide by the US Volcano Disaster Assistance Program (VDAP). The heads of volcano observatories identified the ITC-CSAV as one of the most useful educational offerings relevant to volcano observatory operations available worldwide. The survey’s statistical analysis showed better KAP scores for the ITC-CSAV graduates than for the non-ITC-CSAV graduates. The study concludes that ITC-CSAV graduates are in a better position to attain self-sufficiency in studying and monitoring volcanoes, and by doing so, contribute more effectively to mitigation efforts for volcanic unrest and eruptions. The KAP method was useful to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice of a group of professionals trained in aspects of volcano study and monitoring, and who voluntarily underwent this evaluation.