Disasters pose a growing threat worldwide, including in African countries such as Nigeria. Both human-made and natural disasters can cause severe damage to lives and property. This study aimed to assess the level of disaster preparedness and management among nurses working in the emergency units of health facilities in Ibadan. A descriptive research design was employed, targeting nurses currently working in emergency units of health facilities in Ibadan. A total enumeration sampling method was used, and data were collected through a self developed questionnaire. The instrument’s face and content validity were established, and its reliability score was 0.828 using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Data analysis was conducted using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 25. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, tables, percentages, and charts, were used to present the study’s results. The Chi-Square test was used to test the hypotheses, with a p-value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. Findings from this study indicate that the majority of respondents were within the age range of 30–39 years (52.2%), male (85.6%), and had 11–20 years of experience. Additionally, most respondents (75.6%) held a BNSc certificate. The results further reveal that floods (67.8%) and multiple accidents (70%) were the most common types of disasters encountered in the emergency units. Participants demonstrated a high level of knowledge about disaster preparedness (81.7%), a moderate level of preparedness (66.1%), and a high level of disaster management skills (80%). Several factors influenced the level of disaster preparedness and management. These included the presence of disaster preparedness policies, the provision of essential tools and equipment (100%), the availability of funding and resources from institutions and the government (100%), nurses’ willingness to respond during disasters (100%), and the importance of continuous training and retraining of nurses (100%). Two hypotheses were tested. The first hypothesis (p-value = 0.955) revealed no statistically significant relationship between having a BNSc degree and the level of disaster preparedness. Similarly, the second hypothesis (p-value = 0.808) indicated no statistically significant relationship between years of experience and disaster management among nurses in emergency units. In conclusion, this study highlights the need for more comprehensive certification training programs for nurses, particularly those working in emergency units, as they serve as frontline responders during disasters. Additionally, updating policies to enhance nurses’ capacity to respond effectively to disasters is essential.
- BALOGUN, | MUIBAT | IYABODE | l: muibatbalogun2020@gmail.com | r: 08029029046
- Disaster, Preparedness; Emergency Nursing; Disaster Management
- DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND MANAGEMENT AMONG NURSES
