Determinants of Disaster Competencies Among Jordanian Nurses in Public Hospitals

Abstract

Introduction In the last decade, disasters increased by 60% worldwide. These occurrences have resulted in approximately two million deaths and 4.2 million injuries and left 33 million people homeless. Nurses are part of the front-line response team and should be critical during disasters. For nurses to respond competently, they must have the knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive and holistic care to the populations affected by disasters. Objectives This study aims to assess the level of competencies among nurses providing disaster care and identify their predictors. Method A descriptive correlation design was utilized to measure and predict nursing competencies in providing care to individuals amid disasters. An electronic form of disaster response competencies assessment survey was distributed to 400 nurses working at three public hospitals in the central region of Jordan. Results Jordanian nurses reported a moderate level of competencies in providing care for individuals. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis revealed that disaster training, disaster education, sex, and real disaster experience significantly predict nurses’ competencies. Conclusion With the increasing frequency of disasters, nurses should be adequately prepared to respond to disasters competently to relieve the negative consequences of these events on the affected individuals.