Evaluation of disaster preparedness in the individual and family lives of hospital healthcare workers

This descriptive study was conducted to evaluate the disaster preparedness of healthcare workers in their personal and family lives, and to compare it with the preparedness of their neighbors living at the same address, in order to determine whether it differs from other individuals in the community. The study sample consisted of 618 participants, including healthcare workers from Karadeniz Technical University Farabi Hospital and their neighbors. Data were collected using the "Sociodemographic and Personal Characteristics Form," the "Disaster Preparedness Scale," the "General Disaster Preparedness Belief Scale," and the "Disaster Preparedness Checklist." Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies and percentages for categorical variables, and as mean, standard deviation, median, minimum, maximum, and interquartile range (Q1–Q3) for numerical variables. For comparisons of numerical variables between two independent groups, the Student's t-test was used when the assumption of normality was met, and the Mann–Whitney U test was applied when this assumption was not satisfied. For comparisons among three or more independent groups, One-Way ANOVA was used when normality assumptions were met, or the Kruskal-Wallis test otherwise. Chi-square test was used for comparisons of categorical variables. Spearman correlation analysis was used to examine relationships between numerical variables. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was applied to compare numerical variables between healthcare workers and their neighbors, controlling for the effect of age. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. The results showed statistically significant differences in disaster preparedness levels among healthcare workers who had received disaster-related training, participated in disaster drills, and were aware of the disaster risks in the region. Another important finding was that the preparedness levels of healthcare workers in their personal and family lives were significantly higher compared to their neighbors. Considering the effect of disaster-related training and drills on preparedness levels, it is recommended that such educational activities be conducted continuously.