A study related to disaster response self-efficacy of the personnel working in the disaster area of hatay province after the earthquake and the difficulties they encountered: The example of AFAD personnel

Disaster response, especially in search and rescue, involves collaborative processes where professional groups come together. Personnel must possess not only technical skills but also self-efficacy. This research evaluated the self-efficacy levels and challenges faced by AFAD personnel in Hatay province following the February 6, 2023, earthquakes. A mixed-methods approach was employed, collecting quantitative data through the "Disaster Response Self-Efficacy Scale (DRSES)" and qualitative data through open-ended questions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analyses in SPSS, while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. According to the scale average results, the participants' general self-efficacy level was 83.84±4.68% high. The majority of participants felt competent in areas such as decision-making, team collaboration, and crisis response. The qualitative findings indicated that psychological pressure, communication problems, resource scarcity, and coordination deficiencies were frequently encountered challenges in the field. These challenges were categorized under three main themes: personal, disaster victim-related, and managerial. This study demonstrates that in disaster response processes, not only technical competence but also psychological resilience, effective communication, and inter-institutional coordination are essential. The research results, particularly the prominence of challenges experienced by disaster victims in the qualitative assessment, suggest that these findings can contribute to the development of training policies for AFAD personnel. In this respect, it is recommended that in-service training for AFAD personnel place more emphasis on stress management and crisis communication support. These findings are significant for developing practical and holistic training policies aimed at strengthening disaster response capacity.