HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS’ PREPEDINESS STATUS AND PERCEPTIONS IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT: THE CASE OF THRACE REGION PRIVATE MEDICAL CENTERS

This descriptive study aimed to determine the disaster preparedness and perceptions of the personnel in private medical centres in the Thrace region from May to July 2024, with a sample size of 205 participants. Data were collected using “Demographic Data Form” and “Disaster Preparedness Perception Scale”. Parametric test techniques were applied using the SPSS 26.0 program. Among participants, 36.6% were aged 35 to 44 years, with 30.2% being high school graduates and 30.7% holding an associate degree. The roles included 31.7% paramedics and 32.7% emergency medical technicians. 125 participants (61.0%), associated disasters with events like earthquakes and floods. Additionally, 141 participants (68.8%) reported receiving disaster preparedness training, with 44% receiving theoretical training only and 56% engaging in both theoretical and practical training. 52 participants (25.4%) had previously participated in a drill, 135 (65.9%) believed their workplaces were somewhat prepared for a disaster. Significant differences were noted in the scale and preparation and intervention phases based on disaster training and drill participation (p