Vahid Delshad, Dr Fariba Borhani, Dr Hamid Reza Khankeh, Samaneh Sabzalizadeh, Dr Abas Abaszadeh, Dr Mohammad Javad Moradian, Mohammad Javad Rahimzadeh Behzadi , Leila Malekian, Ali Reza Piri,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (12-2015)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Iran is a disaster-prone country and occurrence of disasters is inevitable. Early warning system is one of the most aspects in hospital preparedness. This research aim to determine the effect of early warning system on hospital readiness.
Material and Methods: This research was conducted in Motahari hospital in Tehran city, 2014. To perform early warning system based on the national program of readiness for disaster, we had frequent sessions with some health experts and the members of disaster committee. The level of readiness was evaluated by WHO's checklist before.
Results: Following intervention, hospital preparedness rate increased by 25 scores demonstrating significant raise from moderate to high.
Conclusion: In regard with average level of readiness in Motahari hospital and its significant increase after using early warning system, we recommend applying this system for improving the level of hospital disaster preparedness.
Ziba Taghizadeh, Mahsa Khoshnam Rad, Anushirvan Kazemnejad,
Volume 17, Issue 0 (4-2020)
Abstract
Background: Infants are regarded as the most vulnerable group with special needs in natural disasters. Since midwives are responsible for providing reproductive health services for infants in natural disasters, this study was performed to assess their professional competencies. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Tehran, Iran. A total of 361 midwives were selected by cluster sampling method. After giving them informed consents, they participated in the study and completed the researcher-made questionnaire on providing health services for infants in natural disasters. Their professional competence was investigated through self-assessment in terms of their perceived importance, knowledge, and skill. Midwives inclusion criteria were as follows: having a degree in midwifery, having at least 6 months of experience in one of the public hospitals in the city, and a desire to participate in the study. Those who did not complete about 15% of the questionnaire items were decided to be excluded from the study.The Questionnaire included 10 items about infant care designed based on literature review of the resources and associated with the goals of MISP (Minimum package of the reproductive health services in natural disasters). To evaluate the instruments` validity, the questionnaire was given to 15 faculty members of the Nursing and Midwifery School of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Five midwives were members of Tehran Red Crescent. After receiving comments from midwives and faculty members, the questionnaire items were reviewed. For analyzing the questionnaire reliability, the Cronbach coefficient α was calculated with 0.8. The data were analyzed by using SPSS, version 17. The analyses included descriptive and analytical statistics such as ANOVA, t-test at a significance level P<0.05. Results: Mean (SD) total score of professional competency of midwives in providing services for infants in natural disasters was 91.95(20.2) obtained from 3 subcategories: perceived importance, 39.83(9.55); knowledge, 22.5(5.06); and skill 30.16(6.86). There were significant relationships between the scores of professional competency of midwives with age (P=0.053), degree of education (P=0.028), workplace (P=0.053), and experience in natural disaster (P=0.047). About 49.86% of midwives demonstrated middle level of professional competency. The lowest knowledge and skill score were reported in managing common neonatal problems e.g. asphyxia, sepsis, physical trauma, which require referral and stability. Conclusions: The average scores of professional competencies of midwives to deliver Reproductive health service to infants in natural disasters show the necessity of related and integrated education. It is recommended that by holding emergency maneuvers and natural disaster simulations, midwives be educated with regard to natural disasters in order to know how to respond in these challenging situations.
Şükran Başgöl, Semra Elmas, Saliha Yurtçiçek Eren,
Volume 21, Issue 4 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background: Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, can traumatize survivors and affect various aspects of their lives, including mental health and quality of life. This study explores religious attitudes, mental well-being, and post-earthquake trauma among female survivors of the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake in Türkiye.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from 18 May to 18 June 2023, involving 618 female survivors aged 18 and older affected by the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquake. Participants voluntarily completed an online survey via social media platforms and group forums. The data were collected using a “sociodemographic form,” “The Ok-Religious Attitude Scale,” “The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale,” and “Post-Earthquake Trauma Level Determination Scale.” Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 25.0. Descriptive statistics were presented using numbers, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Independent samples t-tests and one-way ANOVA were conducted to compare the means between groups. Pearson’s correlation was used to assess relationships between continuous variables, and linear regression was performed for further analysis. The significance level for all analyses was set at p < 0.05.
Results: Female survivors demonstrated strong religious beliefs, maintained good mental well-being, and reported below-average levels of post-earthquake trauma. A significant positive relationship was found between women's religious attitudes and mental well-being (r=0.57, p=0.0001). Additionally, there was a significant positive relationship between religious attitudes and trauma levels (r=0.20, p=0.0001). Furthermore, mental well-being and trauma levels were significant predictors of religious attitudes.
Conclusion: Healthcare professionals should consider the role of religious beliefs in coping with trauma and maintaining mental well-being in counseling, intervention, and support strategies.
