Nursing students’ perception and attitudes in disaster management : a quasi-experiments study

Abstract EN

Background: The current tumultuous global situation, particularly in the Middle East, is drawing attention to disaster management and preparedness.

Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used among 183 nursing students.

The intervention group received a 12-week educational program.

Participants’ perception and attitudes regarding disaster management and preparedness were evaluated before and after the program for both groups.

Results: A significant difference was noted in the disaster perception mean test scores before and after implementation of the education program (M = 13.83, SD = 4.66 vs.

M = 6.95, SD = 3.01; p = 0.001).

Also, a significant difference was found in mean total score for disaster management and preparedness between the intervention (M = 13.83, SD = 4.66) and control groups (M = 7.43, SD = 3.37; p = 0.011).

Conclusions: Nursing students enrolled in the faculty were aware of the potential risks of a disaster in the community.

However, they only demonstrated moderate knowledge and perception in the area of disaster nursing management.

This could be increased with more disaster nursing practical training to improve the quality of nursing graduates who will work in clinical settings.