Disaster Preparedness among Government Hospitals in Addis Ababa City, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Globally the incidences of disaster phenomenon become increasing. The occurrence of disastrous events will cause massive loss of life, physical injuries, as well as social and economic damages. During disaster events, hospitals play key roles by provisions of essential emergency care to the community. Studies regarding hospital disaster preparedness lacked in Ethiopia. Objective: To assess status of disaster preparedness program among public government hospitals in Addis Ababa city of Ethiopia. Methods: A cross sectional study involving both quantitative and qualitative methods conducted from May 9-27, 2016, on available eight among 11 public government hospitals in Addis Ababa city. Fourteen key informants from hospital’s administrative and emergency department staffs purposively selected for interview. Structured checklists and interview guides used to collect data through plan review, physical observations of facilities, and interview of key informants. Descriptive analysis was done for quantitative data using SPSS V. 20.0. A qualitative data transcribed, fully explored, and organized into themes and summaries of the views of the respondents based on the objectives of the study. Results: Six of the eight hospitals have approved major incident plan. A lower preparedness observed in human resources (13.3%), continuity of essential service (13.9%), and Post-disaster recovery plan (23.3%). An average total preparedness score for all hospitals was 44.2%. Key informant interviews reveals, failure to integrate preparedness protocol with facility preparedness and administrative tasks were challenges to hospitals preparedness program. Conclusion: The present study identified government hospitals in Addis Ababa city lack the strategic and infrastructural preparedness for disasters. There are important barriers to implementing effective disaster preparedness in Ethiopia. Administrative measures should commence to strengthen the hospitals preparedness program.