HEALTH OF HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN DISASTERS

Disasters pose significant threats to healthcare workers’ physical and mental health, affecting their functionality and professional resilience. Physical health issues include musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory diseases, infection risks, and occupational injuries, while mental health challenges commonly involve post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and burnout. Supporting the functional recovery of healthcare workers after disasters is crucial, with rehabilitation and reintegration processes playing a key role. Strengthening psychosocial support mechanisms, ensuring ergonomic working conditions, and implementing long-term health monitoring programs are critical components that facilitate post-disaster recovery. Measures such as training and preparedness programs, personal protective equipment, monitoring and evaluation processes, and improving working conditions should be implemented to protect healthcare workers and enhance their professional resilience. Post-disaster monitoring and evaluation processes are essential for identifying the risks healthcare workers face and developing strategies for improvement. In this context, healthcare systems must be strengthened against disasters, and comprehensive strategies should be applied to ensure the protection and well-being of healthcare workers.