The Effect of Knowledge and Skills of Hospital Staff on the Hospitals’ Alertness and Security in Encountering Earthquake in Palu City, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Indonesia is one country that particularly experiences disasters, especially natural disasters. AIM: The current research was carried out aiming to determine the effect of knowledge and skills of hospitals staff on the hospital alertness and security in encountering earthquake. METHODS: This study applied an analytical survey method involving 184 health workers from three major hospitals in Palu City, Indonesia. In this case, data were collected through interviews and questionnaires which were then analyzed using the t-test and f-test to determine the partial and simultaneous effect of the independent on the dependent variable. RESULTS: Based on the analysis of the data collected from 184 questionnaires involving voluntary, contracted, and civil servant health workers, it was revealed that the knowledge of health workers significantly affected the effectiveness of preparedness and security for hospitals in encountering multiple disasters in Palu City with p < 0.01 and T value of 3.467 > T table value 2.60326. Meanwhile, the health workers’ skills on the effectiveness of preparedness and security in hospitals facing multiple disasters in Palu City obtained p < 0.00 and a T value of 4.771 > T table value 2.60326. Meanwhile, the effect of knowledge and skills of health workers simultaneously and significantly affected the effectiveness of preparedness and security of the hospitals in encountering multiple disasters with an F value of 47.459 > F table value 3.89. CONCLUSION: The findings revealed in the current research provided useful basic information indicating the need for regular disaster-related education and training programs for emergency health workers so that they can effectively handle disaster situations and carry out their duties confidently and professionally. Such training and education are aimed to improving the health workers’ knowledge and skills so that they can be more alert and prepared when disaster occurs.