Investigating the Functional, Non-structural, and Structural Safety Status in Selected Hospitals in Ahvaz

Abstract

Background: Hospitals are primary centers providing services during unexpected events and should maintain their operational capabilities during and after disasters. Therefore, continuous evaluation of the safety status of these centers is vital. Objectives: This study investigated the functional, non-structural, and structural safety status in selected hospitals in Ahvaz and determined the most significant safety challenges across three dimensions. Methods: This descriptive-cross-sectional study was conducted in three hospitals in Ahvaz. The World Health Organization's (WHO) “Hospital Safety Index” checklist was used to collect data across three dimensions: Functional, non-structural, and structural safety. Descriptive statistics, such as mean percentages and frequency distribution tables, were utilized to investigate the quantitative objectives. Results: The safety level of the studied hospitals was estimated at 30.81% in the functional dimension, 59.17% in the non-structural dimension, and 71.69% in the structural dimension. According to the WHO classification, they were categorized in levels C, B, and A, respectively. The overall safety was 52.48% and was placed in category B. In the functional safety dimension, the highest score was related to hospital 2 at 35.24%, and the lowest score was related to hospital 3 at 24.59%. In the non-structural safety dimension, the highest score was related to hospital 3 at 66.66%, and the lowest was related to hospital 1 at 48.55%. In the structural safety dimension, the highest score was related to hospital 2 at 84.61%, and the lowest was to hospital 1 at 50%. Regarding overall safety, hospital 2 obtained the highest score at 57.61%, and hospital 1 obtained the lowest at 43.90%. Conclusions: The results revealed a moderate safety status in the three investigated hospitals. Although the safety status of these hospitals is not critical regarding disaster preparedness, there is a need for better planning and implementation to improve their safety levels.