Perceived disaster preparedness, knowledge, and skills among Sudanese healthcare professionals during the armed conflict: cross-sectional study, 2024.

Abstract

Background: Disaster preparedness is a critical component of healthcare, especially in regions prone to crisis. Sudan has faced significant challenges, including armed conflict, the displacement of millions, and outbreaks of diseases such as COVID-19, acute watery diarrhoea, and dengue fever. This study evaluated the perceived preparedness, knowledge, and skills of Sudanese healthcare professionals (HCPs) in disaster management.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,505 HCPs via an online self-administered questionnaire. The classical Arabic version of the Disaster Preparedness Evaluation Tool (DPET) was utilised. The data were analysed via SPSS v28, with univariate and multivariate analyses performed to identify predictors of disaster preparedness, knowledge, and skills.

Results: Participants perceived themselves as moderately prepared (mean 4.15 ± 1.1), knowledgeable (mean 4.01 ± 1.1), and skilled (mean 3.72 ± 1.3) in disaster management. Nurses reported higher knowledge scores than physicians, whereas male participants and those with prior disaster exposure presented higher levels of perceived preparedness, knowledge, and skills (p < 0.001). Previous experience in disaster management was a significant predictor of disaster management competency (p < 0.001). Despite moderate perceptions overall, gaps were identified in specific areas, such as familiarity with local emergency systems and disaster triage.

Conclusion: Sudanese HCPs face notable gaps in disaster preparedness, knowledge, and skills, exacerbated by limited training and practical experience. Addressing these deficiencies through targeted education, disaster drills, and integrating disaster medicine into curricula is imperative to build a resilient healthcare workforce capable of managing crises effectively.

Clinical trial registration number: Not applicable.