Disaster Preparedness Among Physicians in Underdeveloped Regions of Southwestern China: A Cross-Sectional Study of Disaster Response Competencies, Training Needs, and Policy Implications.

Authors

Yeyao Hu, Min Tian, Yanyan Yu, Yongqin Qian, Hongli Deng, Dingying Wang, Yishuang Li, Rui Xia, Qiong He

Published in

Risk management and healthcare policy. Volume 19. Pages 560522. Epub Sep 08, 2026.

Abstract

Disaster preparedness among physicians is critical for effective medical response during emergencies, especially in underdeveloped regions with limited healthcare resources. However, evidence from such contexts remains scarce. This study was conducted in Guizhou Province, a representative underdeveloped region in southwestern China, to assess physicians' disaster response competencies and training needs, and to provide evidence for targeted healthcare policy and capacity-building strategies.
A cross-sectional survey was conducted from June to August 2023 among physicians working in hospitals at various levels across Guizhou Province. The questionnaire included demographic and professional background information, a 46-item self-assessment of disaster response competencies, and a 51-item self-assessment of training needs related to disaster medicine education and training. All items were rated using a five-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U-tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and multivariable linear regression.
A total of 760 physicians completed the survey. The disaster response competency total score ranged from 46 to 230, with a median of 141 (IQR 131-181), indicating a low-to-moderate level of disaster preparedness. The training needs total score ranged from 51 to 255, with a median of 172 (IQR 153-243), reflecting moderate-to-high training needs. Multivariable linear regression showed that location of practice, hospital type, clinical department, and institutional support (presence of an in-hospital disaster rescue team and existence of a comprehensive emergency plan) were associated with physicians' disaster response competency scores (P < 0.05).
Physicians in underdeveloped regions of southwestern China demonstrate notable gaps in disaster response competencies alongside substantial training needs. Tailored, context-specific disaster medicine education and training, supported by institutional support, should be integrated into healthcare policy and hospital management to strengthen system resilience and improve emergency medical response capacity in underdeveloped regions.

PMID:
42732343
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 13 Sep 2026.

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