A comprehensive review of the articles published in the field of health in emergencies and disasters in Iran

Abstract

Introduction Iran is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. A research-based approach is essential to reduce the effects of disasters and provide effective responses. This study aims to review the articles published in the field of emergencies and disasters in Iran. Methods a combination of descriptive and qualitative content analysis using Hsieh and Shannon´s method was done. Since the first and most well-known specialized journal in the field of emergencies and disasters in Iran is the Health in emergencies and Disasters Quarterly (HDQ), all articles published in this journal were examined in terms of theme and scientometric indicators. Results regarding the type of research, 103 were quantitative (66.5%), 18 were qualitative (11.6%), and 4 (2.6%) were performed by mixed method. Most of the articles (n=116, 76.3%) were original research. The most frequently studied risk was traffic accidents (n=17, 10.96%) followed by earthquakes (n=10, 6.45%) and floods (n=8, 5.16%). In terms of theme and content, 103 published articles were related to one of the 4 main phases of the disaster risk management cycle where most of them were related to preparedness (n=48, 46.6%) followed by mitigation (n=26, 25.24%), response (n=20, 19.42%), and recovery (n=9, 8.47%) phases. Conclusion although there are studies related to the four phases of disaster risk management cycle in Iran, most of them are related to assessing preparedness followed by mitigation. In addition, qualitative and mixed studies could have more significant contribution to this field of research, accelerating this process requires the development of disaster research methodology training and researcher training programs as well as their organized and financial support.

Experiences and psychosocial challenges of volunteer nurses in Turkey devastating earthquake zones: Lessons to be learnt for prevention of health system problems in disasters: A qualitative study

“…Their experiences in navigating various challenges at each stage of the disaster provide invaluable insights for reducing the effects of disasters, implementing effective interventions, and formulating future disaster response plans (Su et al., 2022). Additionally, the evidence gathered from the disaster‐affected area serves as a fundamental basis for risk reduction, preparedness, response, recovery, and sustainable development objectives set by policymakers, governments, and nongovernmental organizations at both national and international levels (Khankeh et al., 2022). Thus, the present study aimed to determine the experiences and psychosocial difficulties encountered by nurses who voluntarily provided care services in earthquake zones during the earthquake process that profoundly affected Turkey on social, economic, and psychological levels.…”

Post-Disaster Damage and Loss Assessment in the Iranian Healthcare Sector: A qualitative study

“…Disaster research is incomplete without studying the four phases of the disaster risk management cycle, and all phases must be considered. In response to disasters, Iran has strong institutional and technical arrangements for disaster management at the national level; however, there is a lack of disaster studies in terms of content or themes and returning to better conditions with a special focus on sustainable development (22). The Iranian health sector currently lacks detailed guidelines and supporting tools for damage and loss assessment, making it di cult to identify impacts on service delivery and infrastructure, prioritize recovery and reconstruction efforts, and measure the effectiveness and e ciency of these activities (23).…”