LAUSR

Received: 08 September 2017 Final Accepted: 10 October 2017 Published: November 2017 Background: Recently various epidemic and pandemic events have been occurred worldwide with negative impacts on health, economic and social aspects of life. Health care workers are at high risk for acquiring any epidemic virus, which can threaten their lives. Objective: This study was conducted to assess concerns, perceived impacts, and HCWs preparedness for epidemic and pandemic events in MOH hospitals in Jeddah for 2017 Methods: A structured self-administered questionnaire was prepared to assess the concerns, perceived impacts, and HCW preparedness for epidemic and pandemic events in MOH hospitals. Results: The majority realized that their profession incurred them the risk of exposure to infection, occupational exposure to infection was accepted as part of professional duty in >60% of our sampled HCWs. The minority of HCWs would dismiss to keep taking care of their patients and would think to quit their work during epidemic and pandemic events. Conclusions: There is a need to enhance human resources capacities through psychosocial support and comprehensive training programs for epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response.