Factors Influencing Disaster Preparedness and Response in Public Health Institutions and Riverine Communities Dwellers in Delta State
Chapter One
Broad Objective of the study
The broad objective of the study is to examine the factors influencing disaster preparedness and response in Delta State Hospital.
Specific objectives
- To assess the current level of disaster preparedness and response in public health institutions and riverine communities in Delta State.
- To identify the key socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental factors influencing disaster preparedness and response in public health institutions and riverine communities.
- To evaluate the institutional and governance factors affecting disaster preparedness and response in public health institutions and riverine communities.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITRATURE
Introduction
In this chapter, the researcher reviews literature from various sources around the world on the influence of knowledge, attitude and practices on disaster preparedness and response in hospitals, influence of funding on disaster preparedness and response in hospitals, influence of government policy on disaster preparedness and response in hospitals and riverine communities, and response in hospitals and linkages/strategies used in disaster preparedness and response in hospitals.
Influence of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Health Workers on Disaster Preparedness and Response
Knowledge is gained through training. The importance of disaster training and education in the health sector has given rise to the discipline of disaster medicine, which has come about as a result the marriage between emergency medicine and disaster management (Ciottone, 2006). This is because emergency medicine plays an important role in disaster response through taking care of the injured. Disaster medicine is now being offered at a Masters Degree level in some Universities in USA and Europe. In Africa, two South African Universities have begun offering Disaster Medicine as part of the Emergency Medicine Degree, but not Master’s Programme in Disaster management. In addition, these Universities also offer short courses in disaster medicine to those working in emergency response and other interested parties. This should go a long way in creating or improving the human resource base in disaster preparedness and response in the health sector in the African region.
A study conducted by Wong, et al., (2006) in china showed that a total of 47% of surgical registrars had not read their hospital disaster plans. This finding was supported by a survey conducted in Geelong (Australia) in 2003, which reported that there was limited knowledge of the hospital disaster plan and that disaster preparedness was a low priority, even among key stakeholder departments such as the intensive care unit and the operative services department. Findings of a survey conducted in South East Thames Region, concluded that all medical staff lack training in clinical and administrative aspects of major incident planning and disaster medicine (Brennan & Simpson 1994; Naidoo, 2006). United States General Accounting Office Report (2008) showed that 88% of the surgical registrars were aware that in addition to medical and pharmaceutical resources other resources were needed in the event of a disaster. Many hospitals lack disaster preparedness and training for its personnel as indicated in the survey conducted in 2002 in the USA which reported that fewer than half of the hospitals had conducted drills or exercises simulating response to a bio terrorist attack (United States General Accounting Office Report 2008). In support of the above findings, Lavery and Horan had earlier stated that while many institutions/governments agencies has drawn up major incident plans, these are often missing vital elements such as education/training (Lavery, G.G and Horan E 1998).
A 2004 South African study showed that despite a high percentage of the surgical registrars in the study being categorized as having an excellent level of knowledge, 92% of them had not read the hospital disaster plan (Noble 2008). In terms of the surgical registrar’s knowledge on the different methods of training and testing of hospital disaster plans, the study revealed that 88% of the respondents failed to describe the various methods implemented. This is due to the lack of training being provided to the surgical registrars as 88% of the surgical registrars reported that training and periodic drills relating to hospital disaster preparedness do not occur at their respective hospitals. The current state of training in the tertiary hospitals surveyed in Gauteng is not favourable especially since “the most important principle of good disaster preparedness planning is that it must include training as a key component” (Burling & Hyle 1997; Sahdeo, 2008).
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Design
This study will employ an explanatory research design to collect data on the analysis of the factors influencing disaster preparedness and response in public health institutions and riverine communities dwellers in Delta state. The explanatory research design is developed with the main purpose of investigating phenomenon which had not been studied before or has not been properly explained in previous studies (Baskerville, 2015). It is targeted towards providing details about where to discover small amount of information. The research design is adopted because it explains why phenomena occur and predict future occurrences around the variables used in this research.
Research Population
The target population of the study will consist of business, and accounting personnel. Burns and Grove (2019) claimed that targeted population as a collection of personalities which are eligible to participate in the enquiry. Population may also refer to an entire group of persons or elements that have at least one thing in common. Jiang (2017) agreed that, a population is any target group of individuals that has common characteristics that are of interest to the researcher.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
Demographics details of respondents
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
this study aimed to investigate the factors influencing disaster preparedness and response in public health institutions and riverine communities in Delta State. Through the administration of questionnaires, the study assessed the current level of disaster preparedness, identified key socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental factors, evaluated institutional and governance factors, and examined stakeholders’ perceptions. The findings revealed a mixed perception among respondents regarding the effectiveness of existing institutional structures in supporting disaster preparedness and response efforts. While there was agreement that the disaster management plan in public health institutions adequately addressed potential risks and response strategies, there were also indications of the need for improvement. Similarly, staff training and updates received positive acknowledgment but also highlighted areas for enhancement. The study highlighted the importance of community involvement and engagement in disaster preparedness and response. While respondents acknowledged the presence of a well-defined community disaster preparedness plan, there were differing opinions about its efficacy and the active involvement of community members in practicing and promoting preparedness measures.
The analysis of factors influencing disaster preparedness and response revealed the significant impact of socioeconomic status on the ability to adopt and implement measures. Additionally, the role of literacy, education, traditional knowledge, and practices were recognized, emphasizing the need to address vulnerabilities associated with these factors. The study also shed light on the importance of addressing environmental degradation as it relates to disaster risks. Furthermore, the study evaluated the effectiveness of institutional and governance factors in supporting disaster preparedness and response. The responses indicated diverse perceptions among stakeholders, underscoring the need for further investigation and potential interventions in this area. This study provides valuable insights into the current state of disaster preparedness and response in public health institutions and riverine communities in Delta State. The findings highlight the importance of continuous evaluation, targeted interventions, and stakeholder engagement to strengthen disaster preparedness efforts. The study’s results can inform policymakers, public health authorities, and community stakeholders in developing effective strategies to enhance disaster preparedness and response in Delta State, ultimately improving the resilience and well-being of the communities.
Conclusion
this study examined the factors influencing disaster preparedness and response in public health institutions and riverine communities in Delta State. The findings provide valuable insights into the current state of preparedness, highlighting both strengths and areas that require attention and improvement.
The study revealed that while there are positive aspects in terms of the adequacy of disaster management plans in public health institutions and the provision of staff training, there is still room for enhancement. Stakeholders need to focus on refining existing institutional structures to ensure they effectively support disaster preparedness and response efforts. Regular training and updates should be prioritized to ensure staff members are well-prepared to handle disaster situations.
Community involvement emerged as a crucial factor, with the presence of well-defined disaster preparedness plans and the active participation of community members being vital. Efforts should be made to promote community engagement and encourage the practice of disaster preparedness measures. Additionally, socioeconomic factors, including individuals’ socioeconomic status, literacy levels, and access to education, should be considered when designing preparedness initiatives, aiming for inclusivity and equitable outcomes.
The study also emphasized the importance of recognizing traditional knowledge and practices as valuable assets for community resilience and adaptation to disasters. Integrating traditional practices into disaster preparedness and response strategies can enhance overall effectiveness. Also, the study highlighted the need to address environmental degradation as it significantly impacts the likelihood and severity of disasters. Efforts should be directed towards environmental conservation and sustainability to reduce disaster risks in both public health institutions and riverine communities.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of the study on factors influencing disaster preparedness and response in public health institutions and riverine communities in Delta State, the following recommendations are proposed:
Strengthen institutional structures: Public health institutions should review and improve their existing disaster management plans to ensure they adequately address potential risks and response strategies. This can be achieved through regular assessments, updates, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
Enhance staff training: Public health institutions should prioritize regular training and updates for staff members on disaster preparedness and response protocols. This will ensure that healthcare professionals are well-prepared and equipped to handle disaster situations effectively.
Foster community engagement: Communities should be actively involved in disaster preparedness efforts. Public health institutions and community leaders should collaborate to develop and promote well-defined disaster preparedness plans that include evacuation routes and designated safe areas. Community members should be encouraged to actively participate in practicing and promoting disaster preparedness measures.
Address socioeconomic disparities: Recognize that socioeconomic status significantly affects the ability of individuals and communities to adopt and implement disaster preparedness measures. Policymakers and stakeholders should focus on reducing socioeconomic disparities by providing equal access to resources, education, and support systems that enhance preparedness and response capabilities.
Invest in education and literacy programs: Low levels of literacy and education contribute to vulnerability in disaster situations. Implement targeted education and literacy programs that raise awareness, improve understanding, and equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively respond to disasters.
Embrace traditional knowledge and practices: Traditional knowledge and practices contribute to community resilience and adaptation to disasters. Public health institutions and communities should recognize and integrate traditional practices into disaster preparedness and response strategies, ensuring the preservation and utilization of local wisdom.
Address environmental degradation: Acknowledge that environmental degradation increases the likelihood and severity of disasters. Implement sustainable environmental conservation practices to mitigate disaster risks. Promote awareness and advocacy for environmental protection and conservation within public health institutions and riverine communities.
Continuously evaluate institutional and governance factors: Public health institutions and stakeholders should regularly evaluate the effectiveness of institutional and governance factors that influence disaster preparedness and response. This will help identify areas that require improvement and facilitate evidence-based decision-making for enhancing preparedness efforts.
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