Disasters

INTRODUCTION: Despite the prevalence of the term “household disaster preparedness”, there is no consensus over a single and clear definition in this regard. The present study aimed to identify the components and explain the concept of household disaster preparedness. METHODS: The present study was conducted based on a qualitative design. After reviewing the concept and components of household disaster preparedness in previous studies, the subjects were selected by purposive sampling from managers and experts active in the field of disaster risk reduction, as well as heads of families. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and were analyzed by the thematic analysis method, then the main and sub-components of household disaster preparedness were identified. FINDINGS: The classification of the components of household disaster preparedness revealed that this concept encompasses cognitive, physical-operational, financial, social, and psychological dimensions. However, household disaster preparedness was defined based on these dimensions. CONCLUSION: Household disaster preparedness consists of different dimensions. In order to evaluate this preparedness, an appropriate instrument is needed to assess all its dimensions.

INTRODUCTION:Measure of resilience as an objective concept in recent years has been interested to researchers. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the level of resilience of students in vulnerable areas based on the LM-CRID-31 Q. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The tool used was LM-CRID-31Q, which includes Cronbach's alpha 0.86 and the internal consistency is ICC = 0.91 CI (95%), 849-948. This questionnaire was surveyed among 599 students aged 13 to 18 years in hazardous areas of Golestan province and the earthquake hazards in Kermanshah province at the end of 2017. FINDINGS: The results showed that girls had more resilience than boys. Age, sex, level of education, and living area were among the most influential factors in the resilience of children in disasters. Resilience of Kermanshah teenagers was more than Golestan. The most resilience of students was in the area of trust in God and the lowest resilience in the area of accepting social responsibility. The lowest percentage of resilience was in the acceptance of social responsibility (22.2%) and adaptability (57.0%). The highest percentage of resilience in the elements of trust in God and learning thrill (91.0%) and other components were creativity and dynamism (83.7%), happiness (80.3), and hope (74.8%) of moderate resilience. CONCLUSION: The LM-CRID-31Q instrument with eight components could be the beginning of advanced studies by researchers in the field of child in disasters. This questionnaire is applicable to measuring the resilience before and after accidents and disasters.

INTRODUCTION: The impact of disasters on the mental and physical health of affected communities requires planning for socio-psychological recovery, recognizing various dimensions, and research on the arising issues. The present study is conducted with the aim to focus on methodological and subject research approaches in international post-disaster studies in the framework of research design, target society, and measurement of key structures, in order to identify existing research gaps in this field. METHODS: In the present study, a purposeful post-disaster content analysis was performed quantitatively and qualitatively on socio-psychological studies in 39 journals indexed in databases. After the purposeful and specific steps, 73 studies were coded in an accurate review process, and then the codes extracted (research strategies, research project implementation, highlighted topics, sampling method, statistical population, and data collection tools) were analyzed in Excel software and presented in the form of descriptive statistics. FINDINGS: Cross-sectional studies with quantitative strategy, random sampling method, standardized structured questionnaire, and large statistical population have the highest frequency. The predominant subjects studied on an individual scale were the individual post-disaster psychological consequences and on a collective scale were indicators associated with socio-psychological recovery. CONCLUSION: The imbalance in the socio-psychological studies of disasters and the recovery indicators in both individual and collective scales require paying attention to the subjects related to the individual recovery and mental health and a deeper understanding of the socio-psychological consequences of disasters. In addition to the current research approaches, the investigations on the post-traumatic neuroscience will be growing in the future perspective. Expanding the scope of quantitative research and neuroscience requires standardized measurement scales in developing countries. The reliability of the study findings was 71.5%.

INTRODUCTION: Comprehensive healthcare centers should be able to provide primary healthcare services during disasters; therefore, it is necessary to assess their safety and preparedness to ensure that they can have acceptable functionality in critical situations. In this regard, the present study aimed to evaluate the level of safety and disaster preparedness of comprehensive healthcare centers in Babol, Iran. METHODS: The present descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016 to investigate the safety level and disaster preparedness of 232 comprehensive healthcare centers in Babol, using observation and checklists. The used checklist consisted of three parts, namely functional, structural, and non-structural safety assessment. Finally, the collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. FINDINGS: Based on the data analysis, the studied centers were more prone to weather hazards than other types of disasters. Moreover, the evaluation of the different aspects of the functionality of the centers showed that the best functionality was observed in firefighting, provision of the environmental health services, organization and structure, and provision of infectious disease management services, in that order. The non-structural safety obtained the highest average score (37.49) while the scores of functional and structural safety were 21.76 and 9.27, respectively. CONCLUSION: Based on the results, all the studied comprehensive healthcare centers had a moderate level of structure and functional safety, while no center had a completely desirable level. Therefore, it is recommended to develop proper plans and monitor the comprehensive healthcare centers to eliminate their defects and improve the level of their safety.

INTRODUCTION: Investigation of natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes and floods) has a long history due to the lack of knowledge of humans about the severity and strength of these accidents or the time and place of their occurrence. In this regard, it is necessary to develop national plans for the reduction of the vulnerability of people who are exposed to such disasters. Execution of maneuvers can effectively raise the awareness of relief workers and even the society which would result in the reduction of disaster damage. Therefore, the execution of maneuvers is an appropriate response to these needs and a solution to this problem. METHODS: This applied survey study was performed on the staff of the Red Crescent Society of West Azerbaijan Province. The required data were collected using the library and field methods. Finally, the collected data were analyzed in SPSS software (version16). FINDINGS: Based on the findings, relief maneuvers had a direct effect on various aspects of staff preparedness. Therefore, it can be said that all research hypotheses were confirmed. CONCLUSION: It can be said that the design and execution of relief maneuvers can help to identify opportunities, eliminate threats, and increase the preparedness and capability of the staff. This increases the individual and organizational preparedness of the employees. Moreover, effective relationships between managers and employees can create strong morale in the employees and increase their preparedness for accidents and disasters.

INTRODUCTION: Fars is a disaster-prone province which is affected by a myriad of disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, fires, and traffic accidents. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the disaster risk of hospitals in Fars province in 2017. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in 2017. Out of 90 hospitals in Fars province, 51 centers cooperated in the presented study. Six prevalent disasters and crises in Fars province were identified using the recorded incidents in the last 20 years in the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. A book entitled "National tools for the assessment of risks and indicators of specialized competencies of the health sector in response to hazards and disasters (risk map), which was written for the Ministry of Health of Iran in 2014, was used to assess and obtain the risk score. The maximum and minimum risk scores were obtained at 95 and 19, respectively, and the data were analyzed in Excel 2016. FINDINGS: The mean and standard deviation of the obtained scores for different hazards were reported as 56.039±175.785 (earthquake), 45.962 ± 322.17 (seasonal flood), 575.786.195±19.57 (drought), 909.18±686.36 (chemical threats), 47.764±18.066 (human-caused fires), and 50.235±15.709 (power outage). In most hospitals, the risk of earthquakes and the negative impact of drought were higher than other hazards, while the chemical threats obtained the lowest score. CONCLUSION: Since Fars province is a disaster-prone area, the risk assessment should be periodically performed at short intervals to identify hazards with higher risk scores and implement corrective measures in this regard.

INTRODUCTION: Information is known as the main source of power over others. In this respect, the use of correct, accurate, and timely information in decision-making, planning, and other related issues can be effective in the outcome of activities and services provided by organizations. In times of crisis and disaster incidence, information plays a key and crucial role and affects various disaster response processes. This study was conducted to investigate the communication and information processes and information analysis in the Iranian Red Crescent Society at the time of disasters in 2019. METHODS: This qualitative study with a content analysis design was carried out on 17 experts and managers in the Iranian Red Crescent Society. The necessary data regarding the existing information processes were collected through performing interviews with the participants. The collected data from conducting and implementing the interviews were then coded in MAXQDA software using qualitative analysis method and subjected to analysis. FINDINGS: Based on the findings, the majority of the activities of this organization were carried out by holding meetings to make the necessary arrangements. Measures, such as public education and reports to journalists, media, and social networks were provided in the form of written instructions and protocols. It was revealed that such communication means as media, newspapers, 112 emergency SMS system, and Thuraya satellite network were used for information. The tool utilized in the information process in the Iranian Red Crescent Society was the Disaster Management Information System to record information and the history of crises. This system was located and used in the Control and Coordination Center, and recorded all documents related to the events, including photos, videos, and reports and information of rescuers.

INTRODUCTION: The enhancement of nurses’ risk perception plays a significant role in their preparedness during disasters and emergencies. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of educational workshops on disaster risk perception in nurses METHODS: This randomized controlled field trial study included 62 nurses working at Razi Hospital, Birjand, Iran. The participants were divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group was then requested to participate in a one-day intensive educational workshop based on the current national standards. The workshop content included a combination of lecturing methods, round-table exercises, and film display. The data were collected using the demographic characteristic form and researcher-made questionnaires measuring the nurses’ risk perception during disasters and emergencies. Subsequently, the data were analyzed using independent t-test, repeated measures analysis, and Bonferroni post hoc tests.

INTRODUCTION: Relief organizations, especially the Red Crescent, lack any specific entrepreneurial strategy and program for production, identification, and distribution of relief supplies. These organizations mainly focus on the preparation and distribution of supplies in times of crisis. In this regard, the present study aimed to design an entrepreneurial supply chain model with an emphasis on technology in 2020 in Iran. METHODS: The present study was conducted based on a qualitative and quantitative design. In the first phase, some indicators were obtained by observing the current situation and interviewing 30 experts. Following that, the final model was achieved by considering all indicators and categorizing the topics. In the Delphi process, experts' interviews and theoretical consensus suggested some hypotheses. In other words, in the second phase, structural equation modeling was used to finalize the model. In the next stage, the final questionnaire was provided to 186 Red Crescent employees. FINDINGS: After the analysis and extraction of the criteria from the interviews, components of the model were retrieved, and two questionnaires were designed. The first questionnaire was about supply chain management encompassing four main components of customer integrity, supplier integrity, internal integrity, and innovative orientation. The second questionnaire was related to technology, including seven components: personal characteristics, attitudinal factors, educational factors, technical factors, economic factors, environmental factors, as well as human and managerial factors. Considering the KMO value (˃0.7) and the significant value of the Bartlett Sphericity test, it can be concluded that the data are suitable for factor analysis. The model fit values all exceeded 0.9, indicating that the model has a “good fit. The path coefficients were significant for seven relationships at the level of 0.05. CONCLUSION: As evidenced by the obtained results, the supply chain in disasters requires experts' comprehensive approach and innovative perspectives. The tendency of countries to take innovative measures in disasters requires macro-policies at the national and regional levels. Therefore, all dimensions and aspects of the entrepreneurial supply chain in disasters must be considered in order to attain the final goal which is effective and efficient disaster management.

letter to Editor

INTRODUCTION: An earthquake is a major natural disaster with widespread and great effects on human life and nature. Taking care of the basic needs of earthquake victims is an essential step that should be addressed immediately. Moreover, the evaluation of various problems after disasters, especially earthquakes, is of crucial importance for the affected people. The management of humanitarian aid and public assistance among these affected people is considered one of the most important post-earthquake concerns. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the post-earthquake challenges and strengths of providing humanitarian aid services in Sisakht, Yasuj, in February 2019. METHODS: This qualitative case study was conducted from March 2019 to July 2020. The studied population consisted of 20 participants including medical staff (n=10), clergy (n=2), crisis managers (n=4), and military personnel (n=4). The required data were collected through observation and semi-structured interviews, which continued until data saturation. To evaluate the reliability of the data, the strategies recommended by Guba were used. The data were analyzed by conventional content analysis based on the method proposed by Graneheim and Lundman. FINDINGS: The advantages and strengths of this study included humanitarian cooperation and coordination, as well as the timely presence of relief and rescue teams and law enforcement agencies from the post-earthquake first hours, which had a great impact on reducing the suffering of people. The challenges in providing post-earthquake services included health, medical, management, geographical, and spatial concerns and issues related to the earthquake victims (relief goods distribution problem and inappropriate information dissemination as the main challenges). CONCLUSION: Effective and appropriate management policies regarding the management of providing post-earthquake services and elimination of the structural and managerial obstacles can improve the operation and management of humanitarian aid.

INTRODUCTION: Due to its geographical location, Iran has frequently faced natural disasters, especially earthquakes, which highlight the need to use the disaster management process. The aim of this study was to structural equation modeling of disaster preparedness in relation to personality traits, mediation of fate and behavioral consequences of citizens. METHODS: This descriptive research is one of the structural equation correlational one. All people aged 18 to 60 living in Tehran city were studied and finally 384 people were selected as a sample based on Morgan table by multi-stage cluster sampling using these questionnaires including: a) NEO 5-Factor Inventory (Costa & McCrae, 1985); b) Fatalism (Shamsoddini & Maghsoodi, 2021); c) Behavioral consequences (researcher-made); and d) Household preparedness index for disasters (Nouri, 2016). Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.79) was used to assess the reliability of the questionnaires and data were analyzed using SPSS-24, Amos and Lisrel 8.8. FINDINGS: The results showed that personality traits (p<0.01) has a positive and significant effect on disaster preparedness. Also, the indirect effects of fatalism (p<0.01) have a negative effect and behavioral consequences (p<0.01) have a positive and significant effect on people's preparedness against disasters. CONCLUSION: According to the research findings, the components of personality traits, fatalism and behavioral consequences have a great impact on people's tendency to prepare for natural disasters.

INTRODUCTION: Disasters, both natural or manmade, have been a serious threat to human life and property for many years. The shortest response time is certainly the most important factor in increasing the survival of victims in disasters. Considering the vital importance of time in relief operations, the aim of this study is to investigate the response time in various incidents and disasters by the aid workers of the RCS by the provinces of the country during the years 2012 to 2020. METHOD: This descriptive-quantitative study is cross-sectional and data was collected by the Rescue and Relief Organization of IRCS during the years 2012 to 2020 in all Emergency Operation Centers (EOC) of the country. The variables contain the year, the province, the time interval between the occurrence of the disasters and the notification by the RCS aid workers, the time interval between their notification and presence at the scene of the disaster. The median (first and third quartile) after removing the outliers was used to report these times by year and province in the three years of 2012, 2016 and 2020. A line chart was applied to examine the trend changes during the study period. FINDINGS: The results show that the maximum minutes between the occurrence of road accidents and the notification of RCS aid worker was not reported in any province in 2012, and in many provinces, this time are equal to 5 minute. The highest mean minutes were seen 7 in Gilan province and 6 in Zanjan, East Azerbaijan, Fars, Khuzestan and Yazd provinces in 2020. Also, this figure has decreased from 5 in 2012 to 4 minute in 2020 in the country. The highest mean of minutes in 2012 and 2020 belongs to Qom province with 11.5 and 13 minute. The median of these minute has increased from 5 in 2012 to 9 in 2020. In urban accidents, the median time of notification and presence of aid workers at the scene has decreased from 5 to 4 and increased from 5 to 7 minute, respectively. On the other hand, in mountain incidents, a decrease of one minute (from 10 to 9) and an increase from 20 to 36 minute can be seen in the mean of the times of notification of the accident and presence at the scene, respectively. CONCLUSION: According to the type of disasters and the climatic and geographical conditions of the provinces, the duration of disaster relief is different and determining the standard criteria for it depends on various factors. It seems that the time between the occurrence of a natural disaster and the notification and the time between the notification and the presence at the scene in road, urban and mountain incidents are at a favorable level in the RCS.