Predictors of disaster preparedness among registered nurses in Saudi Arabia: A structural equation modelling analysis

BACKGROUND

The evaluation of the present state of disaster preparedness among nurses in developing countries is not very well elucidated. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the adequacy of disaster preparedness among nurses in such countries and to examine the factors that influence the preparedness of nurses with regard to disaster management.

METHODS

A cross-sectional methodological design was used. A convenient sampling method was used to recruit 370 registered nurses from two hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using valid and reliable self-reported questionnaires, including the Disaster Preparedness Evaluation Tool, Practice Environment Scale-Nursing Work Index, and Self-Regulation Scale.

RESULTS

The final model, with good fit indices, revealed that the disaster preparedness of nurses was significantly influenced by nurses' skills, knowledge, leadership ability and support, self-regulation, nursing quality of care, disaster training, disaster experience, and workplace participation. Altogether, these factors explained 68% of the total variance.

CONCLUSION

The factors influencing the preparedness of nurses for disaster are more complex than previously understood. Our model, created and tested using structural equation modelling, merits further research to extend our understanding of how nurses' perception of disaster management is influenced by organizational characteristics in the hospital work environment.

Korean Nursing Students' Acquisition of Evidence-Based Practice and Critical Thinking Skills

BACKGROUND

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is essential for enhancing nurses' quality of care. We identified Korean nursing students' practices, attitudes, and knowledge concerning EBP, as well as their critical thinking disposition (CTD).

METHOD

The EBP Questionnaire (EBPQ) was administered to a convenience sample of 266 nursing students recruited from four nursing schools in Seoul and its metropolitan area.

RESULTS

Average EBPQ and CTD total scores were 4.69 ± 0.64 and 3.56 ± 0.32, respectively. Students who were ages ⩾23 years, male, and satisfied with their major demonstrated higher EBPQ and CTD scores. EBPQ scores were significantly correlated with CTD scores (r = .459, p < .01), and CTD was an explanatory factor of EBP (adjusted R² = 0.200).

CONCLUSION

It is necessary to develop comprehensive teaching strategies to help nursing students improve their CTD and information utilization skills, as well as integrate EBP in undergraduate programs to enhance nurses' EBP abilities. [J Nurs Educ. 2018;57(1):21-27.].