Perceptions Of Disaster Preparedness Research Articles

Nurses' attitudes, behaviors and perceptions of preparedness towards disasters

Objective: This research was conducted to determine the attitudes and behaviors and preparedness perceptions of nurses working at Başakşehir Çam Sakura City Hospital towards disasters. Methods: The sample of the descriptive and cross-sectional study consisted of 302 nurses. Data were collected with a Personal Information Form and the Disaster Preparedness Perception Scale for Nurses. In the evaluation of the data, number, percentage, mean, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and Spearman correlation analysis were used. Results: It was determined that the mean age of the nurses was 25.88±2.21, and that the majority of them were female (62.3%). Most of the nurses (73.8%) described themselves as partially prepared for disasters. It was determined that the DPPSN sub-dimension scores were 25.70±4.16 for the preparedness sub-dimension, 30.20±7.39 for the response sub-dimension, and 17.37±4.95 for the post-disaster sub-dimension, while the total scale score was 73.278±13.23. A significant relationship (p

Jordanian Nurses' Perceptions of Disaster Preparedness and Core Competencies.

This study aims to identify the Jordanian nurses' perception of their disaster preparedness and core competencies. A descriptive, cross-sectional research design was used. The data was collected via an online self-reported questionnaire using the disaster preparedness evaluation tool and the core disaster competencies tool. A total of 126 nurses participated in the study. Jordanian nurses had moderate to high levels of core disaster competencies and moderate levels of disaster preparedness. Core disaster competencies and disaster preparedness levels differed based on previous training on disaster preparedness, and the availability of an established emergency plan in their hospitals. Lastly, a previous training on disaster preparedness and core disaster competencies were statistically significant predictors of disaster preparedness among Jordanian nurses. Organizational factors and environmental contexts play a role in the development of such capabilities. Future research should focus on understanding the barriers and facilitators of developing core disaster competencies and disaster preparedness among nurses.

Investigating Factors Influencing Disaster Preparedness Perception of Nurses in Turkey:A Meta-Analytic Approach.

In contemporary healthcare, the crucial importance of disaster preparedness and response within the nursing profession has gained recognition. Considering the elevated probability of encountering numerous disasters in Türkiye, it is noteworthy that limited research has been conducted in this domain. This study, therefore, aims to investigate the related factors to nurses' disaster preparedness Türkiye through a meta-analysis method. The study was conducted based on PRISMA guidelines. We searched the national databases in Türkiye and Web of Science Core Collection. Descriptive studies published in Turkish or English between 01.01.2000-31.12.2021 in Türkiye were included in the study to derive the pooled outputs. A total of nine studies, encompassing a sample size of 3222 nurses, met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis' results revealed that gender and prior experience with disasters did not exhibit a statistically significant impact on nurses' disaster preparedness (p>0.05). Conversely, engaging in disaster education programs, familiarizing oneself with disaster plans, and actively participating in disaster drills were found to have a significant positive effect on nurses' preparedness for disasters (p<0.05). However, it is worth noting that the analysis of disaster experience exhibited substantial heterogeneity (I2=85.6%), indicating variations among the included studies. Similarly, the analysis related to reading disaster plans also demonstrated high heterogeneity (I2=77.7%). Based on the available evidence from the meta-analysis, it can be concluded that receiving disaster education, reading disaster plans, and participating in disaster drills have a positive and significant impact on nurses' perception of disaster preparedness.

Relationship Between Disaster Response Self-Efficacy and Disaster Preparedness in Nursing Students: After-Earthquake Study.

This study was conducted to reveal the relationship between nursing students' disaster response self-efficacy and their disaster preparedness perceptions. This cross-sectional study was conducted on nursing students after a major earthquake that occurred in Turkey on February 6, 2023 (n = 302). Data collection took place from June 2023 to October 2023, using the Disaster Response Self-Efficacy Scale (DRSES) and Disaster Preparedness Perception Scale (DPPS). Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Nursing students' DRSES mean score was 63.35 ± 10.83 (moderate level) and DPPS mean score was 3.41 ± 0.50 (high level). A positive and moderate correlation was found between nursing students' DRSES and DPPS scores (r = 0.515; P = 0.000). Predictors affecting nursing students' disaster preparedness are disaster response self-efficacy score, being male, and making a family disaster plan. The results of this study highlight the importance of increasing the disaster response self-efficacy needed by nursing students to successfully assist patients in disaster situations.

Disaster preparedness perception, pyschological resiliences and empathy levels of nurses after 2023 Great Turkiye earthquake: Are nurses prepared for disasters: A risk management study.

The purpose of the study is to determine the disaster preparedness perceptions, psychological resilences and empathy levels of nurses after 2023 Great Turkiye Earthquake. This descriptive study was conducted in 2023 using with E-Anket. This study was carried out with voluntary participation of 464 nurses living in different geographical regions of Turkiye. The data of the study were obtained utilizing Nurses' Disasters Prepardeness Perception Scale (NDPPS), Pyschological Resileince Scale (PRS) and Empathy Scale (ES). In this study, the disaster preparedness perception of the nurses was found to be at medium level. More than half of the nurses (65.1%) reported that they did not received any disaster training before. A meaningful was found between the nurses' disaster preparedness perceptions and their empathy levels and psychological resilence. As in many countries, it is possible to state that also in Turkiye, the training of nurses for disasters are inadequate and that the studies on this subject are limited. This study will provide a theoretical platform to develop nurses' awareness of disaster preparedness and pyschological resilience and empathic approach programs to increase disaster resilience, and to conduct future research on disaster nursing.

Exploring Nurses' Perceptions of Disaster Preparedness Competencies

Background: Indonesia frequently experiences natural disasters, underscoring the importance of nursing competencies in disaster preparedness. Nevertheless, especially among general nurses, the factors shaping these competencies are not well understood.Purpose: This study aimed to explore Indonesian nurses’ perceptions of disaster preparedness competencies and compare these perceptions across distinct characteristics.Methods: Adopting a cross-sectional design, 230 nurses from all wards of a public hospital in Jakarta Province were selected via quota sampling. The Nurses’ Perceptions of Disaster Core Competencies Scale (NPDCC) questionnaire was utilized to assess nurses’ perceptions of competencies across five domains. The study employed Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and Likelihood ratio tests, followed by backward (likelihood ratio) multiple logistic regression, to analyze the relationship between nurses’ characteristics and their perception of disaster preparedness competencies.Results: Results indicated that 51.7% of nurses perceived their disaster competencies as high, with an average score of 175.84(25.017). Further analysis revealed that nurses’ perceptions of these competencies were influenced by education (p=0.002), disaster simulation experience (p=0.036), and awareness of hospital disaster plans (p=0.012), with Nagelkerke’s R2=0.140. Nurses with a diploma qualification were 2.569 times more likely to perceive their skills as lower. Lack of simulation experience and unawareness of the plan further diminished perceived competencies, with ORs of 2.050 and 5.420, respectively.Conclusion: While education, disaster simulation experience, and plan awareness are crucial for nurses’ perceptions of disaster competencies, enhancing other supportive factors is also vital. This study recommends that hospitals increase educational opportunities, emphasizing regular disaster simulations and granting better access to disaster plans, to bolster nurses’ disaster preparedness competencies.

Kesiapsiagaan Bencana Perawat di Rumah Sakit Rujukan pada Area Rentan Bencana di Indonesia: Studi Deskriptif

Background. Indonesia based on its geographical, geological, hydrological and demographic conditions is prone to disasters. Pre-disaster preparedness in health services are very important phases in reducing the impact of a disaster. Nurses are health workers with the largest number in a hospital, and have an important role in a disaster.The purpose of this study was to explore nurses’ perception regarding disaster preparedness in referral hospitals in disaster-prone areas in Indonesia.&#x0D; Methods. This study was a cross-sectional study. The cluster random sampling technique was used in the recruitment of 217 respondents from 4 referral hospitals in Indonesia. Self-report questioner were utilized and it was modified from Disaster Preparedness Evaluation Tool (DPET) and Emergency Prepardeness information Questionairre (EPIQ). Univariate and bivariate analyses were applied to describe the data.&#x0D; Results. The mean age of the respondents was 37.6 ± 8.9 years and the average length of service was 14 years ± 9.6 years. Respondents were mostly female, had vocational education level, were married, worked in wards, worked as clinical nurse, had no disaster experience but worked in hospitals that had experienced disasters. The average of nurses’ perception of disaster preparedness is 2.68 ± 0.32. Respondents have attended 88.5% BHD training, 76.5% APAR, 60.8% fire simulation and 42.4% earthquake simulation. Disaster experiences and research locations influence the disaster preparedness of nurses in referral hospitals in Indonesia. There were no statistically significant differences in nurses’ preparedness for disasters on gender, education level, marital status, place of work, position.&#x0D; Conclusion. Nurses’ experience in dealing with disasters increases the perception of disaster preparedness among nurses. Therefore, regular training and simulations are required in the health services of disaster-prone areas in Indonesia.

Nurse Perceptions of Knowledge and Preparedness for Disasters.

The study aimed to determine the level of knowledge and perceptions of preparedness for disasters among nurses working in a tertiary university hospital. The population of this cross-sectional study consisted of nurses working in a university hospital in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey (n = 340). The sample included 183 nurses who were determined using the OpenEpi program and the universal sampling method. The data were collected using the Sociodemographic Information Form and the Disaster Preparedness Perception Scale in Nurses (DPPSN) and analyzed using SPSS 22 software. The mean age of the participants was 34.31 + 8.52 years; 83.1% were female, 66.1% had at least a bachelor's degree and worked in a surgical ward, 49.7% had been working for at least 11 years, and 58.5% had received training on disasters. Those who received disaster-related training received it mostly face to face (70.1%) from their institutions (91.6%) and in the form of 2-4 hours of training (75.7%); 52.5% had previously participated in a disaster-related drill, and 83.1% took on the role of caregiver during a disaster. The DPPSN mean score of the nurses involved in the study was found to be 3.53 ± 0.58 out of 5 points for the total scale. The results of the study showed that nurses considered themselves partially adequate for disaster preparedness, in general.

Student Perceptions of Volcanic Eruption Disaster Preparedness in Sleman

Preparedness is known as an effort to respond effectively when a disaster occurs. Improving disaster preparedness attitudes is an important element of reducing disaster risk before it occurs. This study was conducted to determine students' perceptions of disaster preparedness for volcanic eruptions. The type of research used is descriptive qualitative research. The analytical technique used is to convert qualitative data into quantitative data. The instrument used is a student knowledge questionnaire about volcanic eruption disaster preparedness which is distributed to 7th-grade students of SMP in Sleman Regency. From the results of the analysis calculation, it was obtained that students' perceptions of volcanic eruption disaster preparedness in the knowledge aspect were 70% in the good category, planning was 67% in the good category, the warning system was 66% in the good category, and resource mobility was 73% in the good category good. Based on the results, it can be concluded that students' perceptions of disaster preparedness with this knowledge, planning, warning systems, and resource mobility are in the good category with an average percentage of 69%. Therefore, it is necessary to increase knowledge about preparedness attitudes towards volcanic eruptions in junior high schools

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOR NURSING DALAM MENGHADAPI BENCANA DI KOMUNITAS

Nurses are the health profession with the most number when compared to other health professions. The competence of nurses in emergency preparedness is obtained through the educational process in higher education including knowledge, skills and attitudes in dealing with emergencies caused by disasters. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of nursing students about emergency preparedness in disasters. This study uses a quantitative descriptive method using Scale of Perception of Disaster Preparedness among Nurses (SPDPN) questionnaire which consists of 3 (three) components, namely the preparation stage, intervention stage and post-disaster stage. The respondents of this study were 49 students of the Diploma Three Nursing Program in Banda Aceh. The results showed that the mean value for the Preparation Stage is 4.4, the Intervention Stage is 4 and the Post Disaster Stage is 4. The conclusion from this study is nursing students' perceptions for emergency nursing showed a positive perception. Beside it the learning process followed by the simulations can increase students' confidence in dealing with disasters.

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

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&lt;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.

NURSES’ PERCEIVED AND ACTUAL PREPAREDNESS FOR DISASTERS

The aim of this study was to determine the preparedness and preparedness perception of nurses against disasters. This study was carried out in the hospitals of Gümüşhane Provincial Health Directorate between 01/11/2014 - 24/11/2015 as a cross-sectional study. The universe of the study consisted of 226 nurses working in the clinics of Gümüşhane Public Hospitals Association affiliated hospitals. The entire universe was included without using any sampling method. The study was completed with 171 nurses. “Personal Information Form and “Perception of Disaster Preparedness Scale in Nurses” were used to collect data. Data were collected between December 2014 - January 2015. Nurses had moderate perception according to the perception of disaster preparedness scale. It was found that those who had the highest perception in the disaster response phase were the nurses working in the intensive care + operating room. In addition, preparedness perceptions of nurses participating in disaster drills were found to be higher than non-participants. It was concluded that the nurses' perceptions of disaster preparedness were moderate. It is recommended that nurses' perceptions of preparedness against disasters must be kept high by providing adequate and regular trainings and drills on disaster preparedness.

The actualization of student’s disaster preparedness at the elementary and secondary education level of disaster-aware school

As a country located in the ring of fire, the Republic of Indonesia is one of the countries with the highest potential status of disasters in the world and causes great material and moral damage. This phenomenon is one of the big challenges in achieving national development goals. Among the efforts to reduce the impact of disasters is to increase disaster preparedness by all elements of society, especially in the education sector through the application of the concept of Environment and Disaster Mitigation-Based School (SWALIBA). The big goal to be achieved from the application of the SWALIBA concept is to shape the attitude and mentality of disaster preparedness from an early age. This research focuses on measuring the level of disaster preparedness for elementary and middle school students in the central part of Java who have applied the SWALIBA concept. The method used in this study is structured interviews and systematic measurements using a questionnaire to analyze and find scientific correlations between school strategy variables and the level of student disaster preparedness. The results showed that although students’ perception of disaster preparedness began to take shape, it had not yet reached the expected level of disaster preparedness.

Workforce preparedness for disasters: perceptions of clinical and non-clinical staff at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

BackgroundMost U.S. studies on workforce preparedness have a narrow scope, focusing primarily on perceptions of clinical staff in a single hospital and for one type of disaster. In contrast, this study compares the perceptions of workplace disaster preparedness among both clinical and non-clinical staff at all U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities nationwide for three types of disasters (natural, epidemic/pandemic, and manmade).MethodsThe VA Preparedness Survey used a stratified simple random, web-based survey (fielded from October through December 2018) of all employees at VA medical facilities. We conducted bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to compare the sociodemographic characteristics and perceptions of disaster preparedness between clinical and non-clinical VA staff.ResultsThe study population included 4026 VA employees (2488 clinicians and 1538 non-clinicians). Overall, VA staff were less confident in their medical facility’s ability to respond to epidemic/pandemics and manmade disasters. Depending on the type of disaster, clinical staff, compared to non-clinical staff, were less likely to be confident in their VA medical facility’s ability to respond to natural disasters (OR:0.78, 95% CI:0.67–0.93, p < 0.01), pandemics (OR:0.82, 95% CI:0.70–0.96, p < 0.05), and manmade disasters (OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.63–0.86, p < 0.001). On the other hand, clinicians, compared to non-clinicians, were 1.45 to 1.78 more likely to perceive their role in disaster response to be important (natural OR:1.57, 95% CI:1.32–1.87; pandemic OR:1.78, 95% CI:1.51–2.10; manmade: OR:1.45; 95% CI: 1.23–1.71; p’s < 0.001), and 1.27 to 1.29 more likely to want additional trainings to prepare for all three types of disasters (natural OR:1.29, 95% CI:1.10–1.51; pandemic OR:1.27, 95% CI:1.08–1.49; manmade OR:1.29; 95% CI:1.09–1.52; p’s < 0.01). Clinicians were more likely to be women, younger, and more educated (p’s < 0.001) than non-clinicians. Compared to clinicians, non-clinical staff had been employed longer with the VA (p < 0.025) and were more likely to have served in the U.S. Armed Forces (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThese findings suggest both a desire and a need for additional training, particularly for clinicians, and with a focus on epidemics/pandemics and manmade disasters. Training programs should underscore the importance of non-clinical roles when responding to disasters.

The effect of the disaster management training program among nursing students.

This study investigated the effect of the Jennings Disaster Nursing Management Model-based and learning management system-assisted six-module training programme on nursing students' disaster preparedness perceptions and response self-efficacy. This randomized controlled trial used a two group comparison design, experimental group (n=127), and control group (n=108), carried out with third-year nursing students in a city in the west of Turkey. Data included a socio-demographic form, the Disaster Preparedness Perception Scale in Nurses (DPPSN) and the Disaster Response Self-Efficacy Scale (DRSES). After the training, disaster preparedness perceptions and the response self-efficacy of the EG increased significantly (p<.05). This study had a moderate effect on participants' knowledge and self-efficacy. Public health nurses are health professionals with important roles and responsibilities in the stages of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery that is all stages of disaster management. This theoretical-based program can be considered for both students and nursing professionals.

Librarians’ perception of disaster preparedness as precursor for effective preservation and conservation of library resources in Nigerian university libraries

The study examined librarians' perception of disaster preparedness and its effect on effective preservation and conservation of library resources, focusing on university libraries in the Southwest geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The survey research design was adopted. The university libraries that provided the data and institutional setting for the study were randomized using the ballot system after which total enumeration technique was employed to take complete census of the population. The population comprised 327 librarians and library officers drawn across federal and state university libraries in the region. The questionnaire and interview methods were used for data collection. Results affirmed, as postulated, that preservation and conservation of information resources would be more effective if disaster preparedness measures are incorporated into the process. As a result, both approaches were found to be complementary. It was also discovered that the core digital preservation strategies are not being practiced in university libraries in the studied region. Consequently, it was recommended that effort aimed at all forms of preservation strategies should be employed to ensure the longevity and sustainability of all information resources.

The effects of psychological first aid training on disaster preparedness perception and self-efficacy

ObjectiveThis study was conducted with the aim of investigating the impact of psychological first aid training on the perception of disaster preparedness and self-efficacy. MethodologyThis study is an experimental randomized control study design with monitoring measurement. The study was carried out with a total of 76 nursing students including 38 in the intervention group and 38 in the control group. The data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Disaster Preparedness Perception Scale for Nurses and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSS). Sessions of Psychological First Aid training that lasted 60 min were carried out with the students in the experiment group once a week along 6 weeks. The statistical analysis on the data involved descriptive statistical methods (means, standard deviations, frequencies), Mann Whitney U test, Spearman Correlation, Friedman and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks tests. FindingsIt was found that the mean scores of the intervention group under all sub-dimensions of the disaster preparedness perception scale for nurses (preparation phase, intervention phase, and post-disaster phase) increased significantly after the training and in follow-ups, and these were significantly higher than the mean scores of those in the control group. It was determined that the mean post-training and follow-up general self-efficacy scores of the intervention group increased significantly, and these were significantly higher than the mean scores of those in the control group. ConclusionIt was determined that psychological first aid education positively affected the subject's perception for disaster preparation as well as their perception of general self-efficacy. In line with this conclusion, as per this study it is suggested to provide training that includes psychological first aid training module in undergraduate nursing programs.

Perception of disaster preparedness and participation in training are associated with disaster preparedness among health workers

Background and purpose: Disaster preparedness is crucial for health workers in order to provide relief to communities affected by disasters quickly and precisely. However currently there are only few health workers who are prepared to face disasters. This study aims to determine the association between knowledge, perception, participation in training and experience in disaster management with disaster preparedness in health workers.Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted among health workers at Petang and Abiansemal public health centres (PHCs). Of the six PHCs, four were randomly selected consisting of one PHC in Petang Sub-district and three PHCs in Abiansemal Sub-district. All health workers (271 people) in the four PHCs were selected as respondents. Individual face-to-face interviews were conducted by the first author during April 2018 in the workplaces of each respondent using a pre-tested questionnaire. Data collected consisted of socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, perceptions, participation in training, experiences in disaster management and disaster preparedness. Questions consisted of three components namely knowledge (12 items), perception (32 items) and disaster preparedness (25 items). Bivariate analysis was conducted with chi square test and multivariate analysis with binary logistic regression to determine the association between knowledge, perception, participation in training and experience in disaster management with disaster preparedness.Results: The results showed that 70.9% of respondents had attended disaster training, 40.6% had good knowledge, 24.7% had participated in disaster management and 49.1% had a high level of disaster preparedness. The variables significantly associated with disaster preparedness were perceptions (AOR=6.40; 95%CI: 3.71-10.99) and participation in disaster training (AOR=2.68; 95%CI: 1.44-4.97).Conclusion: Perception and participation in training are significantly associated with disaster preparedness. Continuous training is needed to increase disaster preparedness among health workers.

Perceived Knowledge, Skills, and Preparedness for Disaster Management Among Military Health Care Personnel.

The Indo-Asia-Pacific region has the highest incidence of natural disasters world-wide. Since 2000, approximately 1.6 billion people in this region have been affected by earthquakes, volcanos, tsunamis, typhoons, cyclones, and large-scale floods. The aftermath of disasters can quickly overwhelm available resources, resulting in loss of basic infrastructure, shelter, health care, food and water, and ultimately, loss of life.Over the last 12 years, US military forces have collaborated with countries throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to enhance disaster preparedness and management during shipboard global health engagement missions. Military health care personnel are integral in this effort and have planned subject-matter expert exchanges, multidisciplinary conferences, courses, and hyper realistic simulated military-to-military training exercises related to disaster preparedness.Military health care providers are essential not only to providing international education and training, but also to ensuring optimal readiness to respond to future disasters in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region and worldwide. The ability to effectively respond to disasters and collaborate with other nations promotes international stability. Yet, few studies have examined disaster preparedness among US military health care personnel. This study aimed to assess knowledge, skills, and preparedness for disaster management among US military health care personnel preparing to deploy on a global health engagement mission. A descriptive, cross-sectional study utilizing the Disaster Preparedness Evaluation Tool (DPET) examined self-reported perceptions of disaster preparedness among US military health care personnel preparing to deploy on a shipboard global health engagement mission. The DPET assessed perceived knowledge of disaster preparedness, disaster mitigation and response, and disaster recovery. Three hundred Hospital Corpsmen/Medics and officers in the Nurse Corps, Medical Corps, Medical Service Corps, and Dental Corps were invited to participate. One hundred fifty-four surveys were completed (response rate, 51%). Nineteen surveys were excluded from the analysis due to incomplete responses. Participants rated responses to 46 Likert items (scale of 1-6) and responded to 23 descriptive items. The study protocol was approved by the Naval Medical Center San Diego Institutional Review Board, protocol number NMCSD.2017.0061, in compliance with all applicable federal regulations governing the protection of human subject research. All item mean scores on each of the three DPET subscales resulted in moderate levels of perceived disaster preparedness among military healthcare personnel (disaster preparedness means ranged from 3.04 to 4.67, disaster response means ranged from 3.76 to 4.29, and disaster recovery means ranged from 3.47 to 4.29). The final regression model had 6 significant variables that predicted DPET scores: previous disaster drills (p = 0.00), experiencing a real disaster (p = 0.002), bioterrorism training (p = 0.02), education level (p = 0.025), years in specialty (p = 0.019), and previous global health engagement missions (p = 0.016), with R2 = 0.39, R2adj = 0.36, F (7, 127) = 12.04. Disaster preparedness among military healthcare personnel could be improved to function optimally for future global health engagement missions. This study expands current understandings of disaster preparedness among US military health care providers and identifies ways to improve and enhance training.

Comparison of Disaster Preparedness Between Urban and Rural Community Hospitals in New York State.

The intent of this study was to determine whether there are differences in disaster preparedness between urban and rural community hospitals across New York State. Descriptive and analytical cross-sectional survey study of 207 community hospitals; thirty-five questions evaluated 6 disaster preparedness elements: disaster plan development, on-site surge capacity, available materials and resources, disaster education and training, disaster preparedness funding levels, and perception of disaster preparedness. Completed surveys were received from 48 urban hospitals and 32 rural hospitals.There were differences in disaster preparedness between urban and rural hospitals with respect to disaster plan development, on-site surge capacity, available materials and resources, disaster education and training, and perception of disaster preparedness. No difference was identified between these hospitals with respect to disaster preparedness funding levels. The results of this study provide an assessment of the current state of disaster preparedness in urban and rural community hospitals in New York. Differences in preparedness between the two settings may reflect differing priorities with respect to perceived threats, as well as opportunities for improvement that may require additional advocacy and legislation. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:424-428).