Perceived disaster preparedness, knowledge, and skills among Sudanese healthcare professionals during the armed conflict: cross-sectional study, 2024
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Disaster preparedness is a critical component of healthcare, especially in regions prone to crisis. Sudan has faced significant challenges, including armed conflict, the displacement of millions, and outbreaks of diseases such as COVID-19, acute watery diarrhoea, and dengue fever. This study evaluated the perceived preparedness, knowledge, and skills of Sudanese healthcare professionals (HCPs) in disaster management. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,505 HCPs via an online self-administered questionnaire. The classical Arabic version of the Disaster Preparedness Evaluation Tool (DPET) was utilised. The data were analysed via SPSS v28, with univariate and multivariate analyses performed to identify predictors of disaster preparedness, knowledge, and skills. RESULTS: Participants perceived themselves as moderately prepared (mean 4.15 ± 1.1), knowledgeable (mean 4.01 ± 1.1), and skilled (mean 3.72 ± 1.3) in disaster management. Nurses reported higher knowledge scores than physicians, whereas male participants and those with prior disaster exposure presented higher levels of perceived preparedness, knowledge, and skills (p < 0.001). Previous experience in disaster management was a significant predictor of disaster management competency (p < 0.001). Despite moderate perceptions overall, gaps were identified in specific areas, such as familiarity with local emergency systems and disaster triage. CONCLUSION: Sudanese HCPs face notable gaps in disaster preparedness, knowledge, and skills, exacerbated by limited training and practical experience. Addressing these deficiencies through targeted education, disaster drills, and integrating disaster medicine into curricula is imperative to build a resilient healthcare workforce capable of managing crises effectively. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Not applicable.
Source: BMC Emergency Medicine
Authors: Fatima A. Ayyad, Roaa Abdalsalam, Eltayeb Abdalla, Salih B. Hamza, Baha Aldeen Alshareif, Alaa A. Ayyad, Alaa Salih, Rana Hassan, Noura Mamdouh, Elmustafa Emad, Mihad Adil, Mohamed Abdelgader, Hussamaldin Mohammed, Maha Adam, Almiqdad Salahaldin, Faisal Shiekh, Afrah Tageldin, Walaa Mamoun, Anfal Alamir, Mohi Eldin Hassan
Institutions: Federal Ministry of Health, Ahfad University for Women, Alzaiem Alazhari University, Karary University, University of Bahri, Delta College of Science and Technology, National Ribat University, Sudan International University, University of Khartoum, Al-Neelain University, Omdurman Islamic University, University of Bakhtalruda, Sudan University of Science and Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Emergency Medical Services
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,790
OpenAlex ID: W4410409207