EXAMINATION OF PRE-HOSPITAL EMERGENCY HEALTH SERVICES PERCEPTIONS OF PROFESSIONAL ANXIETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this research is to examine the perceptions of occupational anxiety and preparedness for disasters of Pre-Hospital Emergency Health Services (PHEHS) employees. Method: 259 pre-hospital emergency health care professionals participated in the descriptive study. In the study, data were collected using a socio-demographic information questionnaire, occupational anxiety scale for emergency health workers and disaster preparedness perception scale. In the study, the data were evaluated by using descriptive statistics of number, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Independent groups t-test analysis, one-way analysis of variance and Pearson correlation analysis were applied to the difference between groups. Statistical significance level was accepted as p<0.05. Results: The mean age of the participants was 27.66±5.24 years. Participants got 86.61±18.83 points from the Occupational Anxiety Scale and 111.52±22.12 points from the Disaster Preparedness Scale. A statistically significant result was found between the Occupational Anxiety Level Scale of the participants and their marital status, place of residence, working year, institution they work, Satisfaction with the profession and thinking of quitting/resigning the profession. A statistically significant result was found between the participants' perception of disaster preparedness scale and their marital status, place of residence, income level, institution they work for, and their status of receiving training on disaster management. A very weak positive correlation was found between the participants' Occupational Anxiety scale total and its sub-dimensions and the perception of disaster preparedness and all sub-dimensions. Conclusion: It was found that the health professionals participating in the study had a high level of professional anxiety and disaster preparedness perceptions. Suggestions were made in line with the results.