Preparedness for Disaster Management among Nurses in Bengkulu, Indonesia

[[abstract]]Background. As a significant first responder, a nurse should be well prepared and educated to care for the victims of mass disasters and have a basic understanding of disaster science and the main components of disaster preparedness. Where disaster planning is absent or fragmented, nurses have a leadership and advocacy role in developing disaster plans and exercises.Purpose. The purpose of this study is to understand the level of preparedness for disaster management and to examine factors related to preparedness for disaster management among nurses in Bengkulu, Indonesia.Method. A descriptive correlational research design and the DPET questionnaire were used in this study. Total samples were 130 nurses in three departments including an emergency room, surgery room, and ICU room.Result. The level of knowledge (mean=4.38), skill (mean=4.40), and preparedness (mean=4.12) for disaster management among nurses in Bengkulu, Indonesia were moderate. The results also showed that knowledge (r= .39, p< .01) and skill (r= .40, p< .01) has positive correlation to preparedness for disaster management. In the multiple regression model, education level, knowledge, and skill were the most important predictors of preparedness for disaster management among participants (ΔR2 = .31, F= 12.60, p< .001).Conclusion. The nurses in Bengkulu have the moderate level of knowledge, skill, and preparedness for disaster management; however, there are more knowledge and skill to acquire through individualized counseling to expand awareness and understanding of disaster management