Factors Associated with Disaster Preparedness Among Primary Healthcare Nurses in Makkah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Full abstract

Read the full abstract

Background: Primary healthcare centers are an essential component of disaster response systems, particularly in the Makkah Region of Saudi Arabia, where recurrent mass gatherings and environmental hazards increase the need for workforce readiness. Although nurses play a central role in frontline emergency response, evidence on disaster preparedness among primary healthcare nurses in Saudi Arabia remains limited. Objective: To assess the level of disaster preparedness among primary healthcare nurses in Makkah and examine demographic and professional factors associated with preparedness. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional correlational study was conducted among 194 nurses working in primary healthcare centers in the Makkah Region. A multi-stage sampling approach was used in which 23 of 115 primary healthcare centers were randomly selected, followed by recruitment of eligible nurses through an online survey using non-probability methods. Disaster preparedness was measured using an adapted 68-item Disaster Preparedness Evaluation Tool covering biological and chemical preparedness, disaster response, family preparedness, disaster recovery, awareness and knowledge, communication and coordination, psychological preparedness, and training and participation. Results: Overall disaster preparedness was moderate to high (M = 3.84, SD = 0.75). The highest mean scores were observed for family preparedness (M = 4.56, SD = 1.11), biological and chemical preparedness (M = 4.32, SD = 0.95), and disaster response (M = 4.31, SD = 0.99), whereas training and participation had the lowest mean score (M = 2.65, SD = 0.54). Preparedness differed significantly by educational attainment, specialization, and years of experience, while no significant gender difference was observed. Correlations among preparedness dimensions were strong (r = 0.685–0.872), indicating that the measured preparedness domains were closely interrelated. Conclusions: Primary healthcare nurses in Makkah demonstrated generally favorable disaster preparedness; however, important gaps remain in training and participation, communication and coordination, and psychological preparedness. Strengthening simulation-based education, interdisciplinary drills, communication systems, and continuing professional development may improve frontline emergency readiness in primary care settings exposed to recurrent large-scale hazards.