Predictors of disaster response self-efficacy among nurses in Oman

Disaster response self-efficacy is strongly associated with nurses' disaster preparedness and competencies. To date, there is very limited information on how nurses' knowledge and skills on disasters contribute to their confidence and self-efficacy in responding to disaster events. This study aimed to examine the relative influence of nurses' demographic characteristics, disaster knowledge, and disaster skills on their self-efficacy during these types of events. A cross-sectional research design involving 444 nurses working in selected hospitals in Oman was used in this study. Overall, nurses in Oman had moderate knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy related to disasters. Nurses' country of origin and unit of assignment predicted disaster response self-efficacy, with Filipino and Indian nurses and those assigned in the emergency units, critical care units, orthopedic units, and burn units reporting an increased level of disaster self-efficacy. Further, nurses who had higher disaster knowledge and skills reported an increased level of confidence or self-efficacy in responding to disasters. Nurses’ confidence in responding to emergency and disaster events may be improved through provision of innovative and theory-based interventions, relevant disaster-related trainings, and opportunities for nurses to gain clinical experiences in the emergency and other critical care units of the hospital.