Fire safety knowledge and emergency preparedness assessment among health care workers at three hospitals in Kunene region, Namibia

• DOI: 10.1186/s12913-025-12211-z
• Publication Date: 2025-01-10T14:44:31Z
• Authors: Evelina Ndapewa J...; Munawar Harun Koray
• Keywords: Preparedness; Health administration

Hospital preparedness for accidents like fires is essential because fire outbreaks in healthcare settings can occur anytime and require quick responses. Therefore, this study assessed the knowledge of safety emergency among workers, as well predictors workers. An institutional-based descriptive cross-sectional online survey was employed to assess 257 workers from three hospitals Kunene region. Both inferential statistics were carried out using STATA version 18. Frequencies percentages used Pearson's chi square test, correlation analysis logistic regression adapted statistics. The statistical significance level set at p-value ≤ 0.05 95% confidence interval. observed that 72.76% lack adequate concerning while 73.15% sufficient regarding safety. findings further indicated there a strong relationship (r = 0.992) between also shows gender (< 0.0001), place work 0.0001) associated with preparedness. Male participants more likely have (aOR: 3.74; 95%CI: 2.016 – 6.950) 3.64; 1.956 6.756) compared females. Khorixas district hospital had lower odds 0.354; 0.173 0.724) having those working Opuwo hospital. majority studied professionals did not Addressing gaps critical ensuring safe environment. By implementing targeted training programs protocols, facilities significantly enhance their response capabilities, ultimately safeguarding both staff patients.