Preparedness of Nursing Students for Maternal and Child Health in Emergency Situations: A Qualitative Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Objective: Disasters occur unexpectedly and lead to various problems. Nurses are among the professions playing an important role in disaster management. This study was designed to investigate final-year undergraduate nursing students’ approaches to maternal and child health in emergency situations through focus group discussions and to assess their preparedness. Methods: The present study has a phenomenological approach design, which is a qualitative research method. Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research was used as a checklist in our study. Focus group discussions were conducted with 4-5 students in 5 groups specifically formed for emergency situations, and data were collected from 21 senior nursing students. Data for the planned qualitative study were collected through focus group discussions. Results: Students identified risks in disasters such as hygiene, nutrition, infectious diseases, depression, bleeding, infection, premature birth, lung capacity, eclampsia, preeclampsia, and hypothermia. They emphasized breastfeeding, waste management, vaccinations, hygiene, and environmental health as protective factors. When asked to define interventions and protocols for disaster preparedness, they mentioned the theme of “hands-on training.” Conclusions: Students gained knowledge and awareness regarding what needs to be done for mothers and children in emergency situations. They emphasized the importance of hands-on training in this regard.
Authors: Zeynep Arabacı, Gülşen Ulaş Karaahmetoğlu
Institution: Kastamonu University
Language: Turkish
Subfield: Emergency Medical Services
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7154954792