PREPAREDNESS OF NURSES WORKING IN NABLUS HOSPITALS FOR HANDLING PANDEMICS OR INFECTIOUS DISEASE OUTBREAKS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Pandemics are persistent worldwide hazards that put pressure on healthcare systems, particularly in cases where planning is inadequate. Strong planning, resources, and coordination across all stages of the catastrophe are essential for an effective response. Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant weaknesses in health system preparedness, which are exacerbated in vulnerable environments like Palestine. To lessen the effects of upcoming health emergencies, preparedness and resilience must be strengthened. Aim: To assess the preparedness of nurses for handling pandemics or infectious disease outbreaks in Nablus hospitals Methodology: A quantitative, cross-sectional study design was performed in the governmental and non-governmental hospitals in Nablus city. 177 participants Nurses were included in the study using a convenience sampling approach. A validated self-administered questionnaire encompassing demographics and important preparedness criteria using a Likert scale was utilized in the study to evaluate healthcare workers' pandemic readiness. Result: While 79.7% of participant said they had sufficient opportunity for pandemic training, the majority reported getting information and training connected to the pandemic, especially in wearing and doffing PPE (83.1%). Clinical measures (77.43 ± 10.40), human resources (27.61 ± 4.59), communication (33.33 ± 4.59), and environmental measures (42.27 ± 5.63) all showed high levels of readiness. The mean score for overall preparation was 55.39 ± 5.03, and the majority of participants expressed confidence in their ability to respond to future outbreaks and educate patients and the community about pandemics. Higher preparedness scores were substantially correlated with participation in online educational activities, PPE training, infection control consultations, and pandemic simulations (p <.05). Additionally, there were no significant variations in preparedness scores (p >.05) between gender and education level, but access to hospital guidelines, staff absence plans, and consumable provisions significantly enhanced preparedness aspects. Conclusion: Particularly in the areas of clinical, environmental, and communication, healthcare staff in Nablus hospitals demonstrated moderate to high levels of pandemic preparedness. Although readiness was enhanced by training, resources, and strong organizational support.