Disaster Preparedness in Saudi Arabia's Primary Healthcare Workers for Human Well-being and Sustainability

Strategic Insights -

Research into disaster preparedness in Saudi Arabia's primary healthcare workers has highlighted the importance of integrating both technical competencies and psychosocial resilience into disaster management programs. The study, conducted in Alqurayat, Saudi Arabia, employed a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the preparedness levels of 400 healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and administrative staff. The results showed that while knowledge and skills were generally moderate to high, notable gaps in overall preparedness remained. Importantly, 69.5% of participants reported enhanced readiness following simulation drills. Machine learning models were used to predict preparedness outcomes based on psychosocial variables, and sentiment analysis and topic modeling of qualitative responses revealed key themes including communication barriers, psychological safety, and the need for ongoing training.

Key Takeaways:

  • The preparedness of healthcare workers for disaster situations depends on their technical skills, disaster knowledge, and psychosocial strength, including teamwork and emotional regulation.
  • A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and observational data from disaster drills to evaluate the preparedness levels of 400 healthcare workers.
  • The results showed that while knowledge (mean: 3.9) and skills (mean: 4.0) were generally moderate to high, notable gaps in overall preparedness remained.
  • Machine learning models, including Random Forest and Artificial Neural Networks, were used to predict preparedness outcomes based on psychosocial variables such as emotional intelligence, teamwork, and stress management.
  • Sentiment analysis and topic modeling of qualitative responses revealed key themes including communication barriers, psychological safety, and the need for ongoing training.
  • The study highlights the importance of integrating both technical competencies and psychosocial resilience into disaster management programs.
  • The findings of the study can contribute to the development of a sustainable and responsive healthcare system capable of mitigating the impacts of disasters.

Statistics:

  • A total of 400 healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and administrative staff, participated in the study.
  • The mean knowledge score was 3.9, and the mean skills score was 4.0.
  • 69.5% of participants reported enhanced readiness following simulation drills.
  • Machine learning models were used to predict preparedness outcomes based on psychosocial variables.

Sources:

  • Sustainability. 2025;17(14):6562. DOI:10.3390/su17146562.
  • NewsRx. Researchers from King Saud University Detail Findings in Sustainability Research (Disaster Preparedness In Saudi Arabia's Primary Healthcare Workers for Human Well-being and Sustainability). Ecology, Environment & Conservation. August 29, 2025; p 558.