Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Criteria and components of the emergency and disaster database in Iran: A content analysis study

Authors

. Sadegh Ahmadi Mazhin 1
. Mehrdad Farrokhi 2
. Mehdi Noroozi 3
. Juliet Roudini 4
. Seyed Ali Hosseini 3
. Mohammad Esmaeil Motlagh 5
. Pirhossein Kolivand 6
. Hamidreza Khankeh 7

1 Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Emergency, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran

2 Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran,

3 Social Determinants of Health Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran

4 health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran

5 Department of Pediatrics, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

6 Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatamol Anbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran

7 Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatamol Anbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Nowadays, emergencies and disasters are considered one of the biggest problems
in human life. To reduce the risk of emergencies and disasters, governments must develop strategies
and policies using evidence‑based methods. Disaster databases are the main source and tool for
storing and managing a wide range of data in this field. This study was conducted with the aim of
exploring the necessary criteria and components of the emergency and disasters database in Iran.
MARTIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative study was performed using content analysis in which 18
managers and experts with experience in registering, documenting, or responding to emergencies and
disasters were selected through purposive sampling. Data collection was done using semi‑structured
interviews that continued until saturation. Data were analyzed by means of qualitative content analysis
recommended by Landman and Graneheim.
RESULTS: In total, three main concepts concerning the necessary criteria and components of the
database of natural and artificial emergencies and disasters in Iran were explored. The main concepts
include information resources, information evaluation, and information management. Subconcepts
include data collection, information transfer, access to information, information validation, disaster
leveling, information registering, information storage and retrieval, information analysis, and
information dissemination.
CONCLUSION: The experience of the participants showed that there are many challenges in the
field of monitoring and gathering information about injuries and damages caused by emergencies
and disasters in the country. The knowledge obtained from this study can be used to create and
develop a database of emergencies and disasters in Iran. It will also provide insights for healthcare
policymakers and managers in future planning areas to more effectively address identified challenges
in preventing and responding to disasters at both regional and national levels.

Keywords

Data management
database
disasters
emergencies
mass casualty incidents
natural disasters
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Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 11, Issue 10
November 2021
Pages 1-7

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