The knowledge and preparedness on maternal and child health during disasters among Public Health Midwives serving in Medical Office of Health areas covered by National Institute of Health Sciences

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In a disaster situation, pregnant women and children are at a higher risk and the presence of an experienced health worker, with good knowledge and preparedness on how to handle their special needs is essential. OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge and preparedness and associated factors related to maternal and child health during disasters among Public Health Midwives (PHMs) serving in Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas covered by National Institute of Health Sciences(NIHS). METHODS: Between July to September 2015, PHM in NIHS area (74) were selected and they were surveyed on information about their field, history of occurrence of disasters, knowledge on maternal and child care in disasters, level of disaster preparedness and training received on disaster management. Data was statistically analyzed using SPSS software. The association between knowledge and preparedness were analyzed against socio-economic and demographic characteristics of the participants. RESULTS: Proportion of PHMs with good knowledge was 47.3% and adequate preparedness for disasters was 33.8%. There was no significant association between the age, educational qualifications, field experience, MOH area and past experience in disasters with the knowledge and preparedness. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge on natal, newborn and infant care was lacking in the PHM in NIHS area and they were not prepared to handle disasters in their field with a proper response plan. Recommend inclusion of disaster management into their basic curriculum and conduct of regular in-service training programmes and drills to ensure sustainability of knowledge and skills on disaster preparedness and management.