Comparing disaster preparedness knowledge, attitudes, and practices between emergency medicine residents in Riyadh region

Background: Disaster preparedness is important for emergency medicine residents because they should respond quickly and effectively during disasters. In this study we aimed to compare disaster preparedness knowledge, attitude, and practice in emergency medicine residents in the Riyadh region. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted 2025 using an electronic self-administered questionnaire. Emergency medicine residents from R1 to R4 from nine training centers in Riyadh were included. The questionnaire assessed demographic data and disaster preparedness knowledge, attitude, and practice. Scores were calculated for the three domains. Non-parametric tests and Spearman correlation were used in the analysis. Results: 111 residents were included, and 69.4% were male. The median knowledge score was 64.3% (IQR 57.1–78.6), median attitude score 87.5% (IQR 81.2–93.8), and the median practice score 33.3% (IQR 16.7–55.0). Knowledge was higher in males than females (p=0.013). Practice score differed by training level (p<0.001), with higher scores in senior residents, mainly R3 and R4 compared with R1. Knowledge showed a positive correlation with attitude (rho=0.378, p<0.001) and practice (rho=0.665, p<0.001), while attitude had a weak positive correlation with practice (rho=0.215, p=0.024). Conclusion: Emergency medicine residents in Riyadh had a strong attitude, moderate knowledge, and weak practice toward disaster preparedness. Practical training and regular drills are needed for junior residents.