Affiliations 

  • 1 Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Kubang Kerian, Kelantan
MyJurnal

Abstract

Introduction: The east coast hospitals of Malaysia are regularly stricken by flood disaster and nurses make up the majority of frontline responders in disaster. So, they should equip themselves with knowledge and skills related to disaster management. The objective of this study was to explore the factors associated with attitude and practice in disaster management among critical care nurses in the east coast hospitals of Malaysia. Methods: This was a quanti- tative study with a descriptive cross-sectional study design that were involved 250 critical care nurses from the east coast hospitals of Malaysia by used stratified random sampling method. Data were collected by using a validated questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with attitude and practice in disaster management. Results: A majority of the critical care nurses had a positive attitude (92.4%, n=231) and adequate practice (80%, n= 200) in disaster management. Among the selected factors studied, attending disaster training/ education was significantly associated with attitude (AOR 4.23, 95% CI: 1.474, 12.144, p = 0.007) and practice (AOR 4.203, 95% CI: 2.102, 8.402, p = 0.000). Disaster response experience had a significant association with practice (AOR 2.697, 95% CI: 1.122, 6.479, p = 0.027) but no significant association with attitude. Level of education, years of service and workplace showed no significant association with attitude and practice in disaster management. Conclusion: This study revealed that disaster training/ education was one of the factors that would ensure positive attitude and adequate practice in disaster management among critical care nurses in the east coast hospitals of Malaysia. Therefore, it is recommended for disaster management programme to be included in continu- ing education training for critical care nurses to ensure them to be well-prepared and respond competently when disaster happen.