SPSS For Disaster Prediction: A Machine Learning and Statistical Perspective

Disaster response by nurses in border areas requires an effective strategy to improve disaster preparedness and response. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between disaster emergency response and nurse preparedness in border areas. The study design used an analytical survey with a cross-sectional technique. The number of respondents was 126 nurses in border areas with a purposive sampling approach and analysis using the chi-square test. The study showed that the majority of nurses' preparedness level was good (71.4%). Research variables that were significantly related to nurse preparedness included nurse response with a Pvalue = 0.030, emergency response time with a Pvalue = 0.016 and emergency/disaster training with a Pvalue = 0.042. It is recommended that nurses in border areas need to increase the frequency and quality of disaster emergency training periodically to strengthen nurse preparedness and can optimize response time quickly and accurately.

Disasters in developing nations are typically caused by frequent and intense climate changes, which contribute to the socio-economic vulnerabilities of such nations. It is important to be strategic in the management of disasters in such regions in order to minimize their impact on thriving communities. There is therefore the need for effective disaster response that allows for access, analysis, and integration of information from varied sources. This Chapter presents architecture for managing knowledge on disaster in Sub-Saharan African nations. This architecture captures the critical contextual variables using process view of knowledge management to assist citizens who are less knowledgeable about disaster management to understand the various forms of knowledge on disaster response while developing extensive knowledge and building capability necessary to address disaster response and management. It also addresses issues with building IT expertise on disaster response in developing nations. More importantly, the architecture facilitates the creation, storage/retrieval, transfer, and application of knowledge on disaster response and management especially for ordinary citizens. The architecture also helps overcome issues with lack of collaboration and coordination across disaster response and management agencies.

This study evaluated major cities’ compliance and awareness to the disaster management and emergency response legislations and strategies in Tanzania with a focus on Dar es salaam city that have experienced persistent undesirable disasters and emergencies that arise from both natural and manmade. The study also focused at actions and programs embarked by the Dar es Salaam City Governments (Ilala, Temeke, Ubungo and Kinondoni) to implement the established disaster and emergency response legislations and strategies in dealing with the challenges identified and their way forward. The outcome of this research was contemplated to significantly assist individuals, community, the local government and other interested parties in dealing with disasters and emergencies, and enhance understanding and compliance and awareness to the disaster management and emergency response legislations and strategies urban and rural dwellers with disaster-resilient. This study deployed descriptive research design and survey to gather information about the research problem under the study. The survey provided quantitative account of views of sampled population and their attitudes, and provided chance to test correlation among population variables of the population samples in which 105 respondents were conveniently selected for this study. The study found that the majority of the population are aware the about the disasters that are likely to occur in their localities and their associated impacts both health and economic impacts, but however they are not satisfied with the strategies implemented by the government to deal with them. The study revealed that, the public officials responsible for emergency response and disaster management in Dar es Salaam are aware about the legislations and plans in dealing with disasters and emergency response but the compliance to them are below average due to various factors like resources constraints, insufficient personnel, low involvement of community, insufficient institutional coordination between emergency responders, insufficient infrastructures that affect response time to emergencies, inadequate urban land use planning and strategies and political influenced decision making. The study proposed that the government have to review and follow up implementation of developed urban land use plans base on disaster risk assessment and management reports, to intensify and provide public awareness campaigns on disaster risk management and emergency response strategies, capacity building to government officials and emergency responders on new urban development technologies and enhance their knowledge and competencies, and to review and establish a coordinated emergency response plans in major cities and establishment of early warning systems with coordinated communication systems among responders.

The use of law, the main tool for implementing policy, to regulate and coordinate disaster management, preparedness and response systems features in many jurisdictions. Also, international guidance on the use of effective laws and policies, which emphasize taking on board critical stakeholders, including humanitarian responders is available. Consequently, the government of Tanzania has promulgated a new disaster management law as part of a wider reform of the legal framework to regulate disaster management and response systems which seek to involve stakeholders at all stages. This article analyses the extent to which the restructured legal framework and supporting policy address humanitarian responders who provide informal assistance, often before formal government intervention. The article traces the history of disaster management policies and laws in the country in the context of the humanitarianism – disaster management nexus. It focuses on the aftermath of the earthquake that ravaged Kagera Region in Bukoba district in the northern west part of the country in September 2016. This analysis is supported with field data from Bukoba district. The findings reveal that the legal framework for regulating disaster management and response system does not reflect international and regional clarion calls for engaging informal humanitarian responders. Recommendations on how this gap can be addressed are provided, laying emphasis on incorporating the clarion calls in order to improve the country’s legal and policy framework for disaster response and management systems.

This comprehensive review explores the role of oral surgery in disaster management, highlighting its various phases of disaster response. The study uses a qualitative literature review to analyze current practices, challenges, and future directions in integrating oral surgical expertise into disaster preparedness and response frameworks. Findings reveal that oral surgeons contribute significantly to patient care in disaster scenarios. Integrating oral surgery in disaster management remains inconsistent globally, including oral surgeons in response teams. It identifies inadequate specialized training, limited awareness among disaster planning authorities, and logistical difficulties in deploying oral surgical resources. Technological advancements offer promising solutions to enhance the reach and effectiveness of oral surgical care in disaster settings. It underscores the psychological impact of oral and maxillofacial injuries on disaster survivors, emphasizing the importance of timely interventions for mental health and social reintegration. Ethical considerations surrounding resource allocation in disaster scenarios are examined. The review concludes by proposing recommendations for policy development, training enhancement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and technology adoption to improve oral surgery in disaster management. This research contributes to a growing body of evidence supporting the essential role of oral surgery in comprehensive disaster response strategies and advocates for its fuller incorporation into global disaster management frameworks.

Community resilience is often assessed in disaster risk management (DRM) research and it has been argued that it should be strengthened for more robust DRM. However, the term community is seldom precisely defined and it can be understood in many ways. We argue that it is crucial to explore the concept of community within the context of DRM in more detail. We identify three dominating views of conceptualizing community (place-based community, interaction-based community, community of practice and interest), and discuss the relevance of these conceptualizations. We base this discussion on quantitative and qualitative empirical and policy document data regarding flood and storm risk management in Finland, wildfire risk management in Norway and volcanic risk management Iceland. According to our results, all three conceptualizations of community are visible but in differing situations. Our results emphasize the strong role of public sector in DRM in the studied countries. In disaster preparedness and response, a professionalized community of practice and interest appear to be the most prominent within all three countries. The interaction-based community of informal social networks is of less relevance, although its role is more visible in disaster response and recovery. The place-based (local) community is visible in some of the policy documents, but otherwise its role is rather limited. Finally, we argue that the measured resilience of a community depends on how the community is conceptualized and operationalized, and that the measures to strengthen resilience of a particular community should be different depending on what the focal community is.

The authors present an overview of the impact of the animal-human bond on disaster management and highlight the need to further examine the relationship of animals and humans in disaster response. The human connection to animals influences compliance with individual and community evacuation plans. Search and rescue teams with canine units confront physical and emotional demands that affect both handler and animal. The culling of animal populations on a scale such as occurred during the recent foot-and-mouth epidemic in the United Kingdom affects every member of rural society. Livestock farmers and their families endure enormous emotional losses, and veterinarians and government officials who must implement these programs suffer as well. A familiarity with and understanding of these issues is important for psychiatrists and other mental health professionals who are involved in disaster preparedness and response.

Disaster management experts around the world agree that nurses play a vital role in disaster preparation, response, and recovery. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health care Organizations requires biannual disaster drills for accredited facilities, and there are numerous training resources and educational materials on disaster management topics. Multiple federal and state laws govern health care provider activities during a disaster. However, there is a lack of guidance and evidence surrounding the specific roles and responsibilities of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in a disaster setting. This project assesses APRNs knowledge of disaster management roles and responsibilities and the training for these roles. Using a cross-sectional survey research design, a 68-item survey was distributed via e-mail and social media to members of Texas APRN professional organizations. A convenience sample of those responding and meeting inclusion criteria (Texas-licensed APRN) was analyzed using SPSS to perform descriptive and nonparametric statistics. Thirty-one percent of responding APRNs considered themselves prepared for the management of disasters. A majority of statements (29/47, 61.7%) evaluating APRN knowledge and skills were significantly different (p < .05) across three training and experience categories: post-APRN program education, workplace/community drills or exercises, and planning or disaster response. More clearly defined roles and readily available training and resources will improve APRNs preparation for disaster situations. Recurrent training and professional experience increase knowledge and confidence related to advanced practice disaster management competencies.

Disasters are major events that have significant effects on individuals, communities, and health care systems. Nurses are valuable resources that have a role in disaster response. However, barriers in disaster education in nursing programs negatively affect nurses' knowledge and skills in disaster preparedness and response. A literature review was conducted to better understand the disaster response educational needs of nurses and to explore gaps in nurses' preparedness for disaster response and nursing education and training. Findings indicated disaster response education is a vital component of nursing education. When provided with effective disaster education, nurses are better equipped for disaster management and disaster response. Challenges in educational needs continue, and nurses lack specific disaster knowledge and preparedness. Further research is needed to identify effective teaching strategies for disaster response and preparedness. Emphasis should be placed on integrating disaster education into nursing education programs at all levels. [J Nurs Educ. 2025;64(4):235-238.].

An assessment on the effective preparedness and disaster response: The case of Santa Rosa City, Laguna

Abstract. Addresses are essential for disaster risk management and response because they are used to locate people affected by a disaster or at risk of being affected. South Africa is vulnerable to disasters, however, despite a legislative framework for supporting disaster risk management that meets international standards, implementation falls short due to underfunding, poor interdepartmental coordination and lack of political support. The importance of cross jurisdictional address data was highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 when the geocoding of positive cases was hindered due to the lack of such address data in South Africa. In this paper, we present first results about a cloud-based tool for integrating address data from multiple municipalities into a single address dataset that conforms to the South African National Standard, SANS 1883-2:2017, Geographic information – Addresses: Part 2: Address data exchange. We reviewed and evaluated three cloud platforms for the prototype implementation. The integrated dataset is maintained in the cloud and therefore readily accessible by relevant organizations. At the same time, processing in the cloud can handle changing volumes of data with elasticity, i.e. computing power can be increased or decreased at short notice, as necessary during a disaster response. Furthermore, processing can be automated, thereby mitigating the risk of reduced manpower due to a disaster. Overall, a properly maintained cloud-based tool can result in more efficient use of resources presenting a viable and interesting alternative for underfunded disaster risk management centres in South Africa and other parts of the world.

Purpose Despite the increasing number of literature that identifies the roles of various rehabilitation professionals in disaster-related work, there is still limited evidence that examines how these professionals prepare for and function in the various phases of disasters. This study describes the roles and responsibilities practiced by Filipino occupational therapists in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. The study also describes the preparations undertaken for the therapists to assume these roles. Materials and methods A survey was conducted among licensed occupational therapists with prior experiences in disaster response. The survey consisted of 23 items - seven were related to preparedness, ten to disaster response, and six to the recovery phase. The participants were asked to indicate their degree of involvement in specific roles and responsibilities using a 5-point Likert scale. The questionnaire also explored their personal preparation for disaster-related work. Results The participants were mostly engaged in roles related to the recovery phase, followed by the response phase, and were least engaged in the preparedness phase. The roles most frequently performed include: encourage connectedness and social interactions among survivors (recovery); provide supportive mental health services to survivors and their families (response); and attend trainings in disaster response to be part of a response team (preparedness). The majority of the participants received training in mental health responses and orientation prior to deployment. They identified the need to gain additional knowledge on emergency response and the effects of human displacement in disaster situations. Conclusions Given additional training and orientation, occupational therapists are able to perform various roles and responsibilities in the different phases of disasters. They can serve as additional resources for government and non-government organizations to address the needs of vulnerable populations in disasters. The study results could inform professional organizations on how rehabilitation professionals could be further trained to address disaster-related concerns. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION With additional orientation and training, occupational therapists could serve as an important health human resource especially in providing mental health services to people with special needs in disasters. There is a need to intentionally integrate disaster preparedness in the scope of practice of rehabilitation professionals to prepare people with special needs for disasters. Additional knowledge and skills in humanitarian action need to be integrated with clinical expertise to benefit government and non-government disaster management activities.

Mid-way through the 'Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030', many nations are spending time, money and effort to enhance their level of preparedness facing disasters, on the other hand communities, countries and even continents are being left behind. This study was conducted aiming at evaluating the level of disaster preparedness and response of Tunisian University Hospitals. This is a cross-sectional nationwide study conducted in Tunisia, from November 2020 to April 2021. Including 9 Tunisian University Hospitals and using the Hospital Safety Index. The data were analysed using the 'Module and safety index calculator'. This study showed that 7 out of the 9 University Hospitals were assigned the 'B' category of safety with overall safety indexes that ranges between 0.37 and 0.62. Also, 4 out of 9 University Hospitals had safety scores less than 0.20 regarding their emergency and disaster management. This is the first study to evaluate disaster preparedness and response of university hospitals in Tunisia and in north Africa. It showed that the lack of knowledge, resources and willingness, are the most important issues that needs to be addressed in order to enhance the preparedness of Tunisian hospitals.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the weather-related disaster preparedness and response strategies of agricultural extension professionals in Trinidad during Tropical Storm Karen (TSK). Trinidad faces perennial flooding, and Trinidad extension professionals have often been involved in the management of weather-related disasters. TSK was contextualized as a case study, and a qualitative approach was used to investigate the lived experiences of the extension professionals who directly assisted with managing the event. Semi-structured interview data were collected, along with concept maps and participant-rendered drawings. Each interview was compared with the participant’s concept map and drawing, while the constant comparative technique was used to evaluate the interview data among the participants to derive themes. Data were collected remotely using internet platforms due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Findings indicated that disaster preparedness was strategized through field activities, including collecting data and providing disaster advice to clients. Disaster responsiveness was strategized through field actions, primarily through field evaluations for subsidy claims. In addition, related to disaster response, extension professionals faced various challenges in responding to TSK, most notably, the inability to access appropriate transportation. The findings of this study can guide the government of Trinidad and Tobago in bolstering the disaster management strategies of the country, as well as inform regional disaster management plans in other Caribbean countries.

Introduction: Nepal is highly susceptible to natural disasters, including earthquakes, floods, and landslides, which have been exacerbated by climate change. General Practitioners (GPs) are often the first point of contact in affected communities, playing a crucial role in managing the health consequences of such calamities. This study explores the role of GPs in disaster management in Nepal, with a particular focus on preparedness, response, and recovery phases. Methods: A review of current literature, policy documents, and field data was conducted to assess GPs’ roles, knowledge of disaster medicine, and the skills required for effective disaster response. Additionally, a gap analysis was performed to evaluate current skills and the specific needs of GPs in disaster situations. The study was undertaken in partnership with Saving Lives International – a UK charity. Results: The findings highlight that Nepal GPs have been trained in triaging injuries, providing essential primary care, and delivering essential mental health support in post-disaster settings. However, gaps were identified in areas such as quality and outcomes assessments, disaster medicine preparedness training, emergency response coordination, field medicine, pre-hospital trauma care, and impact on mental health. It underscores the importance of integrating GPs into disaster management frameworks in Nepal, emphasizing the collaboration with government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community leaders. Training in disaster medicine and response protocols, as well as fostering community resilience, were identified as key areas of improvement. Conclusion: Enhancing GPs’ involvement in disaster management through structured training programs and resource allocation can improve healthcare outcomes in vulnerable communities, particularly during the recovery phase. Leveraging the local knowledge and established relationships, GPs can enhance the overall efficacy of disaster response efforts. The study calls for strategic investment in GP disaster preparedness to build a more resilient healthcare system capable of responding to the escalating threat of natural disasters in Nepal.