Mahmood Moosazadeh1, Farzaneh Zolala2, Khodadad Sheikhzadeh3, Saeid Safiri4, Mohammadreza Amiresmaili5. 1. 1Mazandaran University of Medical Science,Sari,The Islamic Republic of Iran. 2. 2Regional Knowledge Hub for HIV/AIDS Surveillance,WHO Collaborating Center,School of Public Health,Kerman University of Medical Sciences,Kerman,The Islamic Republic of Iran. 3. 3Research Center for Modeling in Health,Institute of Future Studies in Health,Kerman University of Medical Sciences,Kerman,The Islamic Republic of Iran. 4. 4Tehran University of Medical Sciences,Tehran,The Islamic Republic of Iran. 5. 5Research Center for Health Services Management,Institute of Future Studies in Health,Kerman University of Medical Sciences,Kerman,The Islamic Republic of Iran.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The 2003 Bam, Iran earthquake resulted in high casualties and required international and national assistance. This study explored local top and middle level managers' disaster relief experiences in the aftermath of the Bam earthquake. METHODS: Using qualitative interview methodology, top and middle level health managers employed during the Bam earthquake were identified. Data were collected via in-depth interviews with participants. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Results showed that the managers interviewed experienced two main problems. First, inadequacy of preparation of local health organisations, which was due to lack of familiarity of the needs, unavailability of essential needs, and also increasing demands, which were above the participants' expectations. Second, inappropriateness of delivered donations was perceived as a problem; for example, foods and sanitary materials were either poor quality or expired by date recommended for use. Participants also found international teams to be more well-equipped and organised. CONCLUSIONS: During the disaster relief period of the response to the Bam earthquake, local health organizations were ill prepared for the event. In addition, donations delivered for relief were often poor quality or expired beyond a usable date.
INTRODUCTION: The 2003 Bam, Iran earthquake resulted in high casualties and required international and national assistance. This study explored local top and middle level managers' disaster relief experiences in the aftermath of the Bam earthquake. METHODS: Using qualitative interview methodology, top and middle level health managers employed during the Bam earthquake were identified. Data were collected via in-depth interviews with participants. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Results showed that the managers interviewed experienced two main problems. First, inadequacy of preparation of local health organisations, which was due to lack of familiarity of the needs, unavailability of essential needs, and also increasing demands, which were above the participants' expectations. Second, inappropriateness of delivered donations was perceived as a problem; for example, foods and sanitary materials were either poor quality or expired by date recommended for use. Participants also found international teams to be more well-equipped and organised. CONCLUSIONS: During the disaster relief period of the response to the Bam earthquake, local health organizations were ill prepared for the event. In addition, donations delivered for relief were often poor quality or expired beyond a usable date.