Knowledge and practices concerning disaster preparedness among Rural Health Unit personnel in Aurora Province, Philippines

Abstract

Background: Public health workers play significant roles in communities in terms of disaster management. Disaster risk reduction management laws and country plans serve as the legal basis and framework in preparing for, mitigating, and responding to a disaster.

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and practices of Rural Health Unit (RHU) personnel on disaster preparedness.

Methodology: A descriptive survey design using a self-report questionnaire developed by the researchers obtained from the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) Act of 2010 and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (NDRRMP) 2011-2028 was employed. Via total enumeration, participants from eight RHUs in Aurora Province voluntarily consented to take part. The data were analyzed by employing descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and measure of central tendency or median by SPSS statistics.

Results: The majority of the participants were aged 55 years and above (25.90%), females (78.42%), and were Rural Health Midwives (RHMs) (39.57%). One hundred and thirty-eight (99%) of the RHU personnel in Aurora Province were found to be knowledgeable about disaster preparedness and 90 (65%) of the participants had practiced activities in this regard.

Conclusion: The Rural Health Unit (RHU) personnel of Aurora Province are knowledgeable about disaster preparedness and its practices. Public health workers with these characteristics are pillars of strength for the local government units (LGUs). They can continue to enhance comprehensive disaster preparedness education programs in their communities, and assist their LGUs during municipal disaster management planning.