Psychological preparedness and resilience of Palestinian university staff during

COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional online survey

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a significant threat to the worldwide population. Although
several studies have been conducted targeting the diverse population, such as healthcare
professionals and students, no study available to date sheds light on the academic and
administrative staff who have experienced stress due to daily academic activities, such as using
online platforms for teaching and learning.

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the resilience and psychological preparedness of Palestinian
university staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey mode was applied. A convenience sampling was used to present
academic and administrative university staff in Palestine. An invitation link was sent to
participants via the university portal, including the questionnaires. A modified Psychological
Preparedness for Disaster Threats Scale (PPDTS) and Ego-Resilience scale (ER11) were used for
collecting data. Descriptive statistics were utilized to present participants' characteristics and
outcome measures. Pearson correlation coefficient was utilized as appropriate to examine the
association between variables.

2

Results

The mean age of the study participants was 39.21±11.32 years. About 52.8% of participants
experienced stress from COVID-19, and only 20% of participants had previous disaster training.
Findings revealed that the mean score of the PPDTS and ER11 was 35.82±13.57 and 28.75±8.15,
respectively, indicating that the participants had a moderate level of psychological preparedness
and resilience. Psychological preparedness and resilience were positively correlated to each other
(r = 0.731, p < 0.001).

Discussion

Disaster training was associated with better preparedness and higher resilience among university
staff. Future training and enhancements in training delivery modes are warranted to foster better
resilience and preparedness among staff to deal with such pandemic. This study also contributes
to goal three of the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, as we emphasize that with better
resilience and preparedness, university staff will have better health and well-being in the
community.

Keywords: Resilience; psychological preparedness; COVID-19 pandemic; university staff

Conference Title

9th Annual Middle Eastern Nurses and Partners in Caring Science

Conference Country

Jordan

Conference Date

Sept. 12, 2022 - Sept. 14, 2022

Conference Sponsor

Middle East Nursing Association Partners with Watson Caring Science Uniting in Human caring

Additional Info

Conference Website