Disaster management in Libya: evaluating healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practice readiness – a cross-sectional study

Disasters have become more frequent and severe in recent years, causing significant human casualties and substantial economic losses. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and readiness of Libyan healthcare workers to respond to disaster management. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between January 15 to November 20, 2024, targeting Libyan healthcare workers. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection, and distributed through face-to-face interviews. Chi-square tests were performed, with Fisher’s exact test and the Monte Carlo exact test applied where appropriate. In order to assess the normality of KArP scores, the Shapiro-Wilk test was carried out. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 25. P-values less than 0.05 are considered significant. A total of 503 healthcare workers participated in the study. Most demonstrated poor knowledge (58.4%), while a positive attitude was observed in 56.9% of respondents and 60.6% showed a fair level of readiness to practice in disaster management. Knowledge level was found to be associated with educational level (p < 0.001), profession (p < 0.001), and workplace (p = 0.003). Likewise, attitude was linked to educational level (p = 0.04), profession (p = 0.005), and workplace (p = 0.015). The workplace also influenced readiness to practice disaster management (p = 0.007). Furthermore, Spearman’s correlation revealed positive relationships between knowledge and attitude (rs = 0.189, p < 0.001), and between attitude and readiness to practice (rs = 0.543, p < 0.001). The research revealed the need to provide Libyan healthcare professionals with appropriate expertise and knowledge alongside their existing positive attitudes. To improve conditions and maximize the benefit to healthcare workers and the communities they serve, we propose the development of structured, context-specific training programs in disaster risk reduction, integrated into national health strategies. These programs should be supported by institutional capacity-building, continuous professional development, and cross-sector collaboration to ensure sustainability and impact.