Disaster response self-efficacy and disaster preparedness levels of Turkish nurses: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Aim: This study was conducted to assess disaster response self-efficacy and disaster preparedness levels of Turkish nurses.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study involving a total of 195 nurses in Turkiye. A convenience sampling approach was used to reach nurses and the sampling criteria were full-time employment, being a university graduate, and voluntary participation. The data were collected online via a questionnaire created in Google Forms, using the Sociodemographic Information Form, the Disaster Preparedness Scale, and the Disaster Response Self-Efficacy Scale between September and December 2024.

Results: The study revealed that nurses' levels of disaster preparedness and disaster response self-efficacy were slightly above the maximum possible mean score. Significant differences were found between disaster preparedness and disaster response self-efficacy levels and factors such as gender, prior experience of a disaster, knowledge of the hospital's emergency assembly area, and awareness of the hospital disaster plan. Furthermore, a moderate positive correlation was identified between disaster preparedness and disaster response self-efficacy levels.

Conclusion: It was determined that nurses' levels of disaster preparedness and disaster response self-efficacy were slightly above the maximum possible mean score. In line with these results, it could be suggested that disaster preparedness and self-efficacy in disaster response are associated with factors that enable nurses to intervene more effectively in disaster situations, highlighting the importance of training and awareness programs to ensure that nurses are adequately prepared for disasters.