Occupational Health and Public Safety

Biography

Ronald Kareodu completed BSc. Public Health at Clarke International University and MPH (Population and Reproductive Health from Uganda Martyrs University. He is a Research Associate at Nations Rescue Team Uganda (NRT-U). He worked with GOAL Uganda in Kampala, Headquartered in Dublin Ireland UK. Participated in drafting HIV/AIDS IEC/BCC manual for Republic of South Sudan (IOM). Worked with MasterCard Foundation DYNAMIC programme in Uganda. He is co-investigating in ten Masters Research projects. Oral Presentation at 18th Annual Scientific Conference by Uganda Society of Health Scientists 2^nd-3^rd August 2018, Kampala and received an award for the best abstract for Health System Strenghtening.

Abstract

Public health disasters remain a significant problem in both developed and developing countries. In healthcare settings, information on level of disaster preparedness is scarce. We assessed the level and correlates of healthcare workers’ adherence to disaster preparedness measures.

This cross-sectional study involved 122 healthcare workers. Participants were sampled by convenience method while data was collected using structured questionnaire, key informant interviews, and observation check-list. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were conducted on quantitative data at 5% significance level in STATA, while a thematic network analysis was performed on qualitative data in ATLAS.ti.

Of the 122 participants, 52 (43%) were males, 64 (53%) were aged 25-34 years and 92 (75%) were clinical staff. 11 (9.0%) adhered to disaster preparedness measures (95% CI [confidence interval]: 0.05-0.16). In bivariate and unadjusted analysis, periodic staff meetings on disaster issues (p=0.002), periodic electrical checks (p=0.006), periodic risk and vulnerability assessments (p<0.001), and knowledge on right measures for likely disasters (p=0.016) were significantly associated with adherence to disaster preparedness measures. Via stepwise multivariable logistic regression analysis, periodic risk, hazard and vulnerability assessments (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR), 14.29; 95% CI, 3.20-63.83; p<0.001), and knowledge on correct measures for likely disasters (AOR, 11.56; 95% CI, 1.33-100.66; p=0.027) were significantly associated with adherence to disaster preparedness measures.

Adherence to disaster preparedness measures is low at Kilembe Mines Hospital. Train healthcare workers on various disasters and their public health implications and management, Conduct periodic hazard, risk and vulnerability assessment, equip health facilities with necessary materials and supplies to facilitate preparedness.