Ankara’daki Sağlık Meslek Odalarına Üye Olanların Acil Durumlara / Afetlere Bireysel Hazırlıklarının Değerlendirilmesi

Abstract

This descriptive study aimed to determine the relations between the factors (individual and preparedness variables) affecting the emergency / disaster preparedness behavior of the members of the Health Professions’ Chambers in Ankara. The research population comprised approximately 21,900 people registered with the Health Professions’ Chambers in Ankara in August 2021. A questionnaire with 32 questions that was created by the researcher with assistance from the supervisor and the General Disaster Preparedness Belief Scale based on the Health Belief Model (31 items) were used as the data collection forms. Firstly, the research data were collected online using "Google forms". Afterward, the face-to-face interview method was utilized because there wasn't enough participation. 401 health professionals are included in the research. 35.2% of all participants (n=141) received training relating to emergencies or disasters. The most common type of training was first-aid training. A disaster drill was attended by 191 individuals (47.6%). 38.2% (n=153) of the participants experienced a disaster. The most common type of disaster experienced was an earthquake. The percentage of participants who said they were not individually prepared for emergencies and disasters was 33.2% (n=133), with pharmacists reporting this statement the most frequently (n=29, 39.2%). 28.9% (n=116) of the participants stated that they were partially ready for emergencies and disasters individually, 24.4% (n=98) indicated that they were undecided, and 13.5% (n=54) said that they were prepared individually. The mean score of the participants on the scale was 112.3912.77. Several factors were reported to influence health professionals’ individual preparedness for emergencies/disasters. These included education and training on disasters, a previous or current job about disasters, being assigned to a disaster response and volunteering for a disaster response. Turkey is recognized for frequently encountering disasters, so health professionals can offer assistance in a variety of working environments during emergencies and disasters. Disaster preparedness training is therefore critically required, with a focus on key workers like health professionals. In addition, all relevant institutions and organizations should cooperate in developing accessible tools for health professionals to use in case of a disaster.