Cüneyt Çalışkan

Introduction: Community pharmacies fulfill a pivotal function in maintaining the uninterrupted delivery of health care services and safeguarding the medication supply chain during disaster situations. However, the extant evidence regarding the disaster preparedness levels of pharmacies is limited, particularly in regions with high seismic risk. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the disaster preparedness levels of community pharmacies in Istanbul and to examine factors associated with their preparedness status. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted between December 2024 and April 2025, researchers collected data from 360 pharmacies. These pharmacies were selected using a systematic sampling method. The researchers developed a structured questionnaire to collect the data. Results: The investigation revealed that only 32.8% of pharmacies had a disaster plan, 91.7% had not conducted drills, 85.6% lacked smoke detectors, and 71.4% lacked fire alarms. Conversely, 87.5% of pharmacies reported collaborating with neighboring pharmacies or regional representatives during disaster situations. The findings of the study indicated that pharmacies that had undergone disaster training exhibited significantly higher levels of safety equipment, planning, and material stockpiles ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings indicate that pharmacies in Istanbul demonstrate proficiency in collaboration and fundamental supply procurement. However, deficiencies are observed in drills, fire safety measures, data backup protocols, and strategic planning. In order to enhance the disaster resilience of pharmacies, it is imperative that training programs be expanded, drills be made mandatory, and institutional governance be strengthened.

Aim: This study aimed to develop a slogan poster designed to systematically inform individuals and encourage protective actions against Extreme Hot Weather Events (EHWE). Methods: A quasi-experimental single-group pretest–posttest design was employed, following the TREND guideline. EHWE knowledge was measured before exposure (Measurement 1), immediately after exposure (Measurement 2), and 2 months later (Measurement 3). Fifty-seven participants completed Measurements 1 and 2, and 45 completed all 3. Repeated-measures ANOVA and Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons were conducted; qualitative feedback was collected after Measurement 2. Results: Knowledge scores increased from Measurement 1 (M = 9.36, SD = 2.39) to Measurement 2 (M = 13.93, SD = 0.94), then decreased at Measurement 3 (M = 12.07, SD = 1.80), while remaining above baseline. ANOVA confirmed a significant effect of time (F[2.88] = 129.13, P < 0.001, partial η ² = 0.70). Feedback indicated clarity and practicality, with suggestions for design improvements. Conclusion: Poster exposure was associated with immediate knowledge gains, though a partial decline occurred by 2 months. Broader and controlled studies are needed to evaluate long-term effectiveness.

Background: A lack of attention to hand and food hygiene may result in food workers to absent themselves from their duties. In such a case, the probability of an outbreak can be mitigated by halting the contact of infected individuals with foodstuffs during the food processing phase. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the regulatory role of job satisfaction in the effect of fear of disease transmission on hand and food hygiene attitudes among café workers. Methods: The study sample comprises 677 café employees. The data collection tools employed in the study were the Disease Contagion/Transmission Scale, the Hand and Food Hygiene Attitude Scale, and the Minnesota Job Satisfaction Scale. Hayes's (2018) Process Macro was utilized to examine the regulatory effect, and Model 1 was selected. The relationships between the measurement tools utilized in the study were interpreted with the assistance of Pearson correlation analysis. For statistical significance, p < .05 was preferred. Results: The findings indicate that job satisfaction plays a regulatory role in the effect of fear of disease contagion/transmission on hand and food hygiene attitudes. Individuals with high levels of job satisfaction and fear of disease contagion/transmission demonstrate higher hand and food hygiene attitudes. Upon analysis of the regression results, it was determined that job satisfaction has a positive and significant effect on food hygiene attitudes. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that enhancing job satisfaction is a key factor in fostering positive outcomes with regard to food hygiene attitudes.

Objective: This study aimed to provide an in-depth analysis of women’s experiences following a major forest fire. Methods: In qualitative research, sample size is not statistically determined, as generalization is not the primary goal. A small number of participants can yield rich data. The interview form included 3 demographic questions and 10 open-ended items aligned with the study’s objectives. Data analysis was conducted using MAXQDA version 24.1.0. Results: Thematic analysis identified 3 main themes: Emotional Response, Fire Intervention, and Gender, comprising 8 categories. Participants commonly reported intense fear and anxiety, accompanied by physical symptoms such as tension and elevated blood pressure. Primary concerns involved the loss of pets, resources, security, and shelter. Women were found to be deeply affected emotionally and psychologically by the fire experience. Conclusions: The study revealed that women were equally engaged in firefighting efforts as men and also played a crucial caregiving role, offering support to affected individuals. These dual roles reflect both their resilience and the emotional burden they carried. The findings underscore the significant psychological impact of wildfires on women and highlight the necessity of integrating gender-sensitive approaches in disaster response and recovery efforts.

Annually, a considerable number of individuals worldwide sustain injuries and perish as a consequence of disasters. Such disasters are frequently extreme occurrences to which vast numbers of people are exposed, resulting in injury, loss of life, damage to property, and the disruption of livelihoods. Furthermore, the impact of such events is increasing on an annual basis, affecting an ever-growing number of individuals and the infrastructure on which societies rely. 1 The Sendai Framework for International Disaster Mitigation posits that while public awareness can enhance the ability to cope with disasters, the significance of effective management in reducing the adverse impacts of disasters cannot be overstated. 2 In this context, the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of individuals in relation to disasters affect their resilience at each stage of the disaster. Therefore, awareness-raising is required. In this regard, given the increasing frequency of disaster risks and damages globally, disaster literacy is a key issue that demands attention. Disaster literacy encompasses the knowledge, abilities, and attitudes essential for effective coping with disasters. It is a crucial element in comprehending, advocating for, and providing assistance to these endeavors. The term "disaster literacy" is defined as "Disaster literacy is people's capacity to access, understand, appraise, and apply disaster information to make informed decisions and following instructions in everyday life concerning mitigating, preparing, responding, and recovering from a disaster to maintain or improve quality of life during the life course." 3 In addition to disaster literacy, it is essential to enhance the knowledge and abilities related to public health emergencies, which constitute a pivotal aspect of the community's response to disasters. This is particularly crucial in the formulation of disaster preparedness and response strategies. 4 In this context, it is acknowledged that first aid, which constitutes an essential component of national disaster plans in many countries, represents a crucial instrument. The provision of first aid in cases of acute illness or injury prior to hospitalization enables the affected individual and those in their vicinity to maintain vital life functions. 5 It is ensured that individuals are informed about the health risks and hazards posed by disasters and that awareness is raised about interventions through first aid training. Furthermore, first aid training can enhance community awareness of the risks posed by disasters and facilitate preparedness. Consequently, incorporating emergency and disaster-related topics into first aid curricula can enhance disaster response capacity and disaster literacy. The knowledge of first aid instructors can be enhanced through disaster literacy studies to encompass the disaster phenomenon that causes accidents and injuries. However, enhancing disaster literacy within first aid training programs is not merely a matter of educational improvement but holds significant importance for societal resilience. By equipping individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to respond effectively to disasters, we can mitigate the devastating impacts on lives and communities. Therefore, the integration of existing first aid studies and the disaster literacy framework is vital to face future challenges.

Objectives: This study aimed to design and validate a measurement tool in Turkish to assess the challenges perceived by individuals involved in the disaster response process, such as volunteers, health care personnel, firefighters, and members of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).Methods: This methodological study was conducted from November 2023 through March 2024. The scale development process comprised item development, expert reviews, and language control, followed by the creation of a draft survey, pilot testing, application of the final scale, and statistical analyses. All stages, including validity and reliability analyses, were conducted in Turkish. While reliability analysis used Cronbach’s alpha, item-total correlations, intraclass correlation coefficients, test-retest reliability, Tukey’s additivity, and Hotelling’s T-squared tests, validity analysis included Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses (EFA/CFA). Software such as AMOS 22.0 and SPSS 22.0 were used to perform statistical analysis.Results: Findings indicated six dimensions with 23 items, with factor loadings ranging from 0.478 to 0.881. The CFA demonstrated acceptable fit indices. Test-retest analysis showed a robust positive correlation (r = 0.962) between the measurements. The scale’s total Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.913. Sub-dimension reliability scores were calculated as follows: 0.865 for environmental and health, 0.802 for communication and information, 0.738 for organizational, 0.728 for logistical, 0.725 for individual, and 0.809 for other factors.Conclusions: This study showed that the Perceived Challenges in Disaster Response Scale (PCDRS), developed and validated in Turkish, is a reliable and valid measurement tool. It offers a foundation for understanding the challenges faced by disaster response teams and for formulating improvement strategies.

This study examines the pivotal role of the Turkish Red Crescent Communication Centre (KİMER) during the February 6, 2023, earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye—termed as the “disaster of the century.” Employing a cross-sectional descriptive epidemiological analysis, the research focuses on KİMER’s crisis communication efforts, analyzing the volume and nature of calls to KİMER’s Call Centre and assessing their impact on disaster management. Data extracted from KİMER’s database from February 6 to December 15, 2023, alongside operational reports and interviews with staff and volunteers, form the basis of both qualitative and quantitative analyses. Findings indicate KİMER addressed over 1.1 million requests through diverse channels, including call centers, social media, and chatbots, showcasing a high degree of adaptability and efficiency. Geographic analysis of requests underscores the direct correlation between disaster impact and assistance demand, highlighting the importance of targeted response strategies. The predominance of information-seeking calls reveals a critical need for timely, accurate communication during crises. The study emphasizes the efficacy of KİMER’s digital platforms and specialized support for vulnerable groups, suggesting enhancements in digital tool usage and geographically focused plans for future disaster management. Ultimately, this research underscores the significance of comprehensive, adaptable communication strategies in disaster response, offering insights for improving crisis management frameworks in Türkiye and potentially in similar contexts globally.

Objective: After the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, the study aimed to assess the nutritional quality, energy, and macronutrient content of meals from field kitchens, evaluating their capacity to meet recommended daily intakes in the region. Methods: The contents of morning, lunch, and evening meals prepared by the Turkish Red Crescent in field kitchens in 10 provinces were collected on the second day of the earthquake and 3 times at 1-month intervals: February 7, March 7, and April 7. Results: During the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, 570 public institutions and/or non-governmental organizations provided food assistance at 2.342 assembly points in 10 provinces on February 7, March 7, and April 7. In the aftermath of the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, the Turkish Red Crescent provided meals to over 4.8 million people at 10 different locations for a period of 3 days. Starting from the second day after the earthquake (February 7), when food services were regularly recorded at nutrition service points, the percentages of macronutrients covering total energy were found to be within the normal range. Conclusions: To promote the health of disaster survivors, it is important to improve the balanced RDAs for energy and macronutrients and ensure compliance with national dietary guidelines.