DISASTER MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND PRACTICES OF HOSPITALS IN TAMIL NADU

Hospitals play a vital role in disaster management, yet their effectiveness hinges on both infrastructure and the preparedness of healthcare professionals.In Tamil Nadu, a state frequently impacted by disasters such as floods, cyclones, and pandemics, the resilience of hospital systems is paramount.This study explored healthcare professionals' awareness, training participation, and attitudes regarding hospital disaster preparedness, while also identifying factors influencing awareness and perceived readiness.A cross-sectional survey involving 203 healthcare professionals across various roles was conducted using a structured questionnaire.The analysis revealed that nearly half of the participants (49.3%) had undergone disaster-related training, with the Preparedness Attitude Scale showing acceptable reliability (α = 0.709) and a mean score indicating moderately positive preparedness attitudes.Logistic regression analysis indicated that training participation significantly enhanced Disaster Management Strategies and Practices of Hospitals in Tamil Nadu https://iaeme.com/Home/journal/IJM129 editor@iaeme.comawareness of hospital disaster management plans.However, perceptions of preparedness adequacy did not show significant differences between trained and untrained professionals, as both groups displayed similar moderate confidence in hospital readiness.These findings underscore that while training improves awareness, it does not alone influence perceptions of preparedness without broader institutional support.To bolster disaster resilience in Tamil Nadu hospitals, ongoing training, regular drills, effective communication systems, and comprehensive staff engagement are crucial.