University student flood risk perceptions and flood probability knowledge in Greater Sydney

This study aimed to evaluate university students' perceptions of flood risk and their understanding of common flood probabilities in the Greater Sydney region of Australia. Despite the large number of university students in Australia, there been lacking research on students' perceptions of flood risk and ability to understand commonly communicated flood terms.

Using ordinal logistic regression, the authors identified that students with past flood experience and women were more likely to have higher flood risk perceptions. In contrast, students with higher flood preparedness were more likely to have lower flood risk perceptions. Age, degree level (e.g. bachelor's, master's), place of residence, and flood knowledge were inconclusive predictors of risk perception. The authors also found that students perceived equivalent flood probabilities stated over longer periods of time to be more likely to occur.