Assessment of preparedness for response to COVID-19 by two hospitals in the Gaza Strip
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Published:2023-01-19
Issue:1
Volume:29
Page:49-56
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ISSN:1020-3397
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Container-title:Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal
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language:
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Short-container-title:East Mediterr Health J.
Author:
Aljabari Mohammed,Elkhateeb Mahmoud,Dorgham Hamada,Alsufi Ahmed
Abstract
Background: Hospital preparedness enables the healthcare delivery system to save lives during emergencies that surpass the day-to-day capacity of existing response systems. The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected all aspects of life worldwide, and in the Gaza Strip particularly. Aims: We assessed the preparedness of 2 hospitals in the Gaza Strip for response to COVID-19. Methods: An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted among 160 nurses and physicians between July 2020 and October 2021 at the European Gaza Hospital and the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital, 2 hospitals dedicated to the reception and care of COVID-19 patients in the Gaza Strip. Data were collected using a structured, selfadministered questionnaire and a checklist. The data were analysed using SPSS, version 23. Frequencies and descriptive data were used to assess the variables. Inferential statistics such as ANOVA and t-test were used to determine the significance and differences between the variables. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.903. Results: The majority of the participants were nurses (77.5%) and they showed a high level of knowledge and training regarding the response to COVID-19 pandemic (73.4 %). Their perception of the preparedness of their hospitals in terms of work environment and availability of resources was average (63.6%). Around 70% perceived COVID-19 to have had a negative effect on their personal lives and work. Conclusion: The preparedness level at the 2 hospitals was unsatisfactory (55.75%). Further research is recommended to assess the level of hospital preparedness from the viewpoint of other healthcare workers.
Publisher
World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (WHO/EMRO)