University of Social Welfare & Rehabilitation Sciences
Health in Emergencies and Disasters Quarterly
2345-4210
2345-4210
1
4
2016
7
1
Letter to Editor: Climate Change and Waterborne Diseases
175
176
FA
Mehrdad
Farrokhi
University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences
farrokhi@gums.ac.ir
Y
10.18869/nrip.hdq.1.4.175
Climate Change, Waterborne Diseases, Disaster risk reduction,
http://hdq.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-112-en.html
http://hdq.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-112-en.pdf
University of Social Welfare & Rehabilitation Sciences
Health in Emergencies and Disasters Quarterly
2345-4210
2345-4210
1
4
2016
7
1
Health Sector Coordination in Disasters: Barriers & Facilitators
177
186
FA
Mohammadkarim
Bahadori
Health Management Research Centre, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
N
Hamid Reza
Khankeh
Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, University of Social Welfare & Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
N
Rouhollah
Zaboli
Health Management Research Centre, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
N
Mohammad
Raiszadeh
Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
N
Isa
Malmir
Health Management Research Centre, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Y
10.18869/nrip.hdq.1.4.177
Background: Coordination is a critical factor in successful organization and appropriate response to disasters. In this regard, a centralized coordination mechanism is the first step towards an effective, efficient, and sustainable response in order to be ensured of the short- and long-term recovery. Thus, this study aimed to identify and prioritize the barriers and facilitators of coordination in disasters.
Materials and Methods: This research was a descriptive and cross-sectional study, conducted in 2016. The participants comprised 22 experts in field of disaster. Data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire according to the analytical hierarchy process approach. For data analysis, we used Expert Choice software.
Results: Based on the results, “dominance of organizational approach instead of national points of view when addressing the health management during disasters,” took the first priority rank, earning the score of 0.344 among the barriers. Furthermore, among the facilitators, “having a processive and organizational view in health management during disasters,” took the first priority rank, earning the score of 0.374.
Conclusion: To increase the effective coordination in health area, we should develop infrastructure and structural measures, which include bolstering authorities’ belief about the health system’s role in the response to disasters, reinforcing the national approach rather than organizational approach in the field of health at disasters, implementing the coordination requirements, attending sufficiently and specifically to public participation, reducing the organizational friction in the health field for sharing resources and information, raising the level of readiness with a focus on people and training programs, and finally creating an evolutionary process in the health field at disasters.
Coordinating, Disaster, Barrier, Facilitator
http://hdq.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-119-en.html
http://hdq.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-119-en.pdf
University of Social Welfare & Rehabilitation Sciences
Health in Emergencies and Disasters Quarterly
2345-4210
2345-4210
1
4
2016
7
1
Experiences of Encountering Physical Trauma Caused by Traffic Accidents: A Qualitative Study
187
192
FA
Fatemeh
Pashaei Sabet
Department of Nursing, University of Social Welfare & Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
N
Kian
Norouzi Tabrizi
Department of Nursing, University of Social Welfare & Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
dr.kian_nourozi@yahoo.com
Y
Hamid Reza
Khankeh
Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
N
Soheil
Saadat
Sina Trauma and Surgery Center, Tehran, Iran.
N
Heidarali
Abedi
Department of Nursing, University of Social Welfare & Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
N
Alireza
Bastami
Department of Nursing, University of Social Welfare & Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
N
10.18869/nrip.hdq.1.4.187
Background: Traffic accidents are the main cause of death and disability in the world and Iran. The Injuries caused by traffic accidents may result in severe limitations and worst outcomes in various aspects of lives of traffic accident injured people and their families. Therefore, understanding their experiences is very important to design better programs with regard to their treatment and returning to the society. In this regard, we conducted this study with the aim of understanding and describing the experiences of encountering with physical trauma resulting from traffic accidents.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted with qualitative research approach, using qualitative content analysis method. The study participants had a record of upper and or lower extremity injuries caused by traffic accidents of at least 3 months and at most 2 years after the accident. They were chosen by purposeful sampling method. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and continued until data saturation. Data analysis was carried out using content analysis method.
Results: The study findings based on the experiences of participants were conceptualized in three main categories; experiencing some limitations, disturbances in performing professional duties, and family problems caused by trauma. Conclusion: The study findings showed that injured people due to traffic accidents experience numerous constraints in different areas of their lives. Accordingly, proper interventions can be designed based on understanding these needs and experiences from participants’ own words to alleviate these problems. Finally, the study results provide a new insight to the medical team to understand these patients and their real health problems in a more realistic way.
Experience, Physical trauma, Traffic accidents, Qualitative study
http://hdq.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-114-en.html
http://hdq.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-114-en.pdf
University of Social Welfare & Rehabilitation Sciences
Health in Emergencies and Disasters Quarterly
2345-4210
2345-4210
1
4
2016
7
1
The Effectiveness of Reengineering Moheb Project to Improve Knowledge, Attitude, and Performance of Individuals & Local Communities in Response to Earthquake: A Case Study
193
199
FA
Hamidreza
Eskash
Iran Helal Institute of Applied Science & Technology, Tehran, Iran.
N
Morteza
Moradipour
Deputy for Relief & Rescue, Red Crescent Society of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Tehran Provincial Branch, Tehran, Iran.
N
Mina
Nazari Kamal
Department of Psychology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.
mnkamalabadi@gmail.com
Y
Sheida
Sarafzade
Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
N
Mahboobeh
Rouhollahi
Department of Natural Disaster Management, Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
N
Abdoreza
Arghaii
Rescue Organization, Red Crescent Society of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
N
Rahele
Samouei
Department of Health Management in Disaster, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
N
10.18869/nrip.hdq.1.4.193
Background: Evaluating the effectiveness of reengineering Moheb (interventions and sociopsychological supports in disasters) project helps the managers of the Welfare Organization have feedback on the status of community empowerment against disasters. In this regard, this study aimed to determine the effectiveness of reengineering Moheb project to improve the knowledge, attitude, and performance of individuals and local communities in respond to earthquake.
Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study with two groups of control and case was conducted in Iran, in 2013. Hormozgan, Isfahan, Fars, and South Khorasan provinces were selected as the setting for the case group and Tehran, Markazi, Semnan, and Khorasan Razavi provinces were selected as the setting for the control group. A total number of 399 samples were assessed using questionnaires of evaluating effectiveness of Moheb project (a=0.704) and checklist of empowerment preparedness of local people. The assessed data were analyzed through independent t test, analysis of variance, Chi-square, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests by using SPSS 20.
Results: Based on the results, the proceedings done in the reengineering Moheb project, including organizing local disaster management teams, briefing/training sessions, as well as executed maneuvers have been instrumental in all subscales, i.e. participants of case provinces compared to participants of control provinces were better with regard to knowledge, attitude, and performance.
Conclusion: Regarding the fact that knowledge, attitude, and performance of the people at local communities about earthquake were improved, the interventional programs, especially educational and promotional plan, can effectively empower individuals to face disasters.
Reengineering of Moheb project, Knowledge, Attitude, Performance, Preparedness, Disaster
http://hdq.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-115-en.html
http://hdq.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-115-en.pdf
University of Social Welfare & Rehabilitation Sciences
Health in Emergencies and Disasters Quarterly
2345-4210
2345-4210
1
4
2016
7
1
Women’s Participation in Natural Disasters and Accidents: A Case Study of Bam Earthquake, Iran
201
208
FA
Mahmoud
Nekouyi Moghaddam
Department of Management, Faculty of Management and Information, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
N
Zahra
Afshar Hossein Abadi
Department of Human Science, Faculty of Urban Management, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
z.afshar64@yahoo.com
Y
Ali
Ardalan
Department of Health, Faculty of Health in Disaster, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
N
Somayeh
Aminizadeh
Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science,Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia.
N
10.18869/nrip.hdq.1.4.201
Background: Although natural disasters leave thousands of deaths and wounded, one of their most significant outcomes is empowering women as well as taking measures with special attention to women. This study aimed to analyze women’s cooperation and its affective factors in natural disasters and accidents.
Materials and Methods: The study design is cross-sectional and descriptive. The study population comprised the women living in Bam, Iran and the sample size was calculated as 385. The study instrument is a researcher-made questionnaire. To analyze the data, the descriptive statistical methods, the statistical correlation test, and 1-way analysis of variance were performed by using SPSS 16.
Results: The study result about the effects of the women demographic characteristics on their cooperation showed that there were no relationships between women’s cooperation and their marital status or degree of education. However, there were significant and positive relationships between their cooperation and variables of age, being indigenous, and occupational status.
The results have also indicated that there were significant relationships between women’s cooperation and variables of knowledge and attitude.
Conclusion: Women, despite their vulnerability in natural accidents, have the capability in performing different tasks such as taking care and accommodating the injured family members, and making peace and relief in difficult and undesirable situations after natural disasters such as earthquake. However, the results of this study revealed that women’s cooperation in different parts of crisis management was very limited. This matter demands more attention of the responsible authorities.
Natural disasters and accidents, Women, Cooperation
http://hdq.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-117-en.html
http://hdq.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-117-en.pdf
University of Social Welfare & Rehabilitation Sciences
Health in Emergencies and Disasters Quarterly
2345-4210
2345-4210
1
4
2016
7
1
Historical Research on Disaster Management Legislation in Iran Before Islamic Revolution
209
214
FA
Jalil
Arab-Kheradmand
Iranian Virtual Institute for Disasters and Emergencies, Ahya Neuroscience Research Center, Tehran, Iran.
N
Shokoufeh
Ahmadi
Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
ahmadi.shokoufeh@gmail.com
Y
Akram
Baniasadi
Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
N
Hamidreza
Khankeh
Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
N
10.18869/nrip.hdq.1.4.209
Various disasters are still inevitable and over the last two decades, affected lives of at least 800 million people. Iran is one of the most disaster-prone countries and about 90% of the country are at risks of earthquakes or floods. Thus, the disaster management in our country is a priority. In recent years, several protocols have been put forward to manage the emergencies and disasters. In this regard, the related laws and regulations crisis management are an integrated part of any crisis management which specifies each organization role. One of the important pitfalls in managing risk reduction approach, is the lack of proper laws and regulations and their implementation. Moreover, national guidelines and protocols provides the pathways for different areas of intervention. To solve this shortcoming, a historical review of legislation in this area is helpful. This study aims to review the legislative history of disaster management in Iran, the responsible organizations, and their strong and weak points. This study might help reduce vulnerabilities and boost coordination in crisis management.
Disaster management, Legislation, Iran
http://hdq.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-116-en.html
http://hdq.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-116-en.pdf
University of Social Welfare & Rehabilitation Sciences
Health in Emergencies and Disasters Quarterly
2345-4210
2345-4210
1
4
2016
7
1
Book Abstract: How to Write an Emergency Plan by David Alexander; Reproduced by Permission
215
224
FA
David
Alexander
UCL Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction, University College London, London, UK.
Y
10.18869/nrip.hdq.1.4.215
In 2002, David Alexander wrote Principles of Emergency Planning and Management. Long a standard reference work in that book he described the processes of preparing for and responding to disasters, crises, and civil contingencies. He based the work on principles because he wanted to dissociate it from any particular system of emergency management. Then, as now, many books in this subject are tied to individual systems of public administration, particularly the federal system of the United States of America, which somewhat limits their usefulness in other contexts. However, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ civil protection system that can act as a template for all eventualities. Nevertheless, David Alexander does not believe that, in terms of how emergency response is organized, there must necessarily be fundamental differences between the world’s richest and poorest countries. They all need safety and rapid response to civil contingencies. All countries can learn from others and derive benefit from incorporating good practice from abroad into their own systems, with modifications to fit local conditions. Equipment may be expensive, but planning to make the best use of what one has or can afford is not likely to break the bank.
The feedback he received from the Principles book was generally positive, but it indicated that some readers were facing with severe practical problems in frontline jobs that required them to provide workable answers. Many were new to emergency planning and did not know where to start. So, when David Alexander found the time to consider building on his earlier Principles, he decided to give it a more ‘hands on’ profile and to endeavor in meeting the needs of people who had been given the task of writing and implementing emergency plans. To maximize the geographical scope of the book, he decided to stay with his decision not to tie the explanations to particular systems and countries, in the expectation that users of the new book will be able to make the necessary connections and adapt his general approaches to the configuration of services in any country or region.
Some readers may be skeptical about the value of emergency planning. It is true that in a crisis the first thing that goes out of the window is the plan. However, David Alexander believes passionately, not in the plan as a document or instrument, but in the process of planning. He believes that emergency planning should be a flexible process that is able to adapt to dynamically changing circumstances. Moreover, the process must not stop when a basic document, ‘the plan,’ has been prepared: it should continue right through the next emergency to the recovery phases.
An emergency plan is a structured document, an instrument that outlines the responses envisaged for certain kinds of civil contingency, such as a flood, a major snowstorm or a transportation crash with casualties. Emergency planning is simultaneously an art and a science. It involves ‘thinking the unthinkable’, so that people can be ready for those aspects of an emergency that require preparation beforehand because they cannot effectively be improvised during the crisis. There are so many ramifications of emergency planning that not all of them can be covered in a book such as “How to Write an Emergency Plan.” However, the skill that must be learned is to think through the implications of prior decision-making. Some implications are obvious but many are not, which is one of the main justifications for writing this book. There are good emergency plans and there are bad ones. A plan may be too obtuse, complex, grandiose, idealistic; too detailed or too general; or good in theory but bad in practice. Thus there is always room to improve. The failure of a plan to solve the problem of how to respond to an emergency does not invalidate planning as such; rather, it demands a better plan and a renewed effort to improve the process of planning.
Emergency planning is a social endeavor that needs to be backed by hard scientific information; for example, on the magnitude and frequency of certain hazard impacts. By ‘social’ David Alexander means that it should involve consultation and collaboration. Often, emergency planning is as much a political process as a technical one. Public administration, hazard and risk science, journalism, technical response, welfare and other services must work in concert. The emergency plan is their script, and as such it is something with which they all need to feel comfortable and familiar. This book should convince readers
of the importance of good emergency planning, that it is intended to disseminate a methodology and also provide a justification for more and better emergency plans. Nowhere on earth is free from hazard and risk. Hence, emergency planning is not a luxury, but a necessity. In writing this new practical book, David Alexander has not abandoned the issue of principles. So the user will find these stated at intervals in the text. His intention is to provide some guiding markers along the route to explain the emergency planning process. His aim overall is to ‘demystify’ a process that, in many respects, is a form of ‘codified common sense’, but one in which the challenge is to do much more than merely thinking sensibly. The issues, and the connections between them, are complex; hence the need for a book that sets them down in print, in some kind of logical order, or what Albert Einstein described as ‘a feeling for the order lying behind the experience.’
Contents: Foreword. 1. Introduction. Scope and objectives of this book; 2. What are emergencies? 3. What is an emergency plan? 4. The emergency planning process; 5. First step: background research; 6. Second step: scenario building; 7. Third Step: from scenarios to actions; 8. A note on the structure of the plan; 9. Fourth step: using the plan; 10. Planning to maintain the continuity of normal activities; 11. Specialized emergency planning; 12. Conclusion: the future of emergency planning. Afterword. Appendix 1: Glossary of working definitions by key terms. Appendix 2: Bibliography of selected references. Index.
Emergency Planning, Disaster, Emergency management
http://hdq.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-120-en.html
http://hdq.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-120-en.pdf