Disaster Preparedness Knowledge, Institutional Awareness, and Training Exposure Among Medical Interns in Nepal: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Medical interns are expected to participate in disaster response. However, their knowledge and preparedness remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to assess disaster preparedness knowledge among interns of a medical institution in Nepal.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among medical interns at Shree Birendra Hospital. Census Method was used for data collection. A validated, self-administered questionnaire assessed conceptual knowledge, operational knowledge, institutional awareness, and training experience. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Composite scores were calculated in 12 core items.

Results: Majority of the respondents were male and below 25 years of age. More than 84.2% of the respondents knew the correct definition of disasters, 95.6% knew what disaster preparedness meant. Half of the respondents (53.5%) knew about the Hospital Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan (HDPRP). Knowledge regarding Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) was 2 (2.20%), and Alternate Care Site utility in 21 (23.08%). Formal training was reported by 3 (3.30%), drill participation by 12 (13.19%), and prior disaster experience by 13 (14.29%). Awareness of specific roles was found in 9 (9.89%), hospital protocols in 20 (21.98%), and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act (NDRRMA) in 13 (14.29%). Primary information sources were internet/social media in 36 (39.56%) and medical curriculum in 27 (29.67%). Respondents with previous disaster training or exposure had higher composite knowledge scores.

Conclusion: Medical interns demonstrated satisfactory conceptual knowledge but gaps observed in operational knowledge, institutional awareness, and practical training. Structured, hands on learning is required to enhance disaster preparedness competence among medical trainees.