title: Response to the Bam earthquake: a qualitative study on the experiences of the top and middle level health managers in Kerman, Iran.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  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.
authors: 1Mazandaran University of Medical Science,Sari,The Islamic Republic of Iran.
authors: Mahmood
authors: M
authors: Moosazadeh
authors: 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.
authors: Farzaneh
authors: F
authors: Zolala
authors: 3Research Center for Modeling in Health,Institute of Future Studies in Health,Kerman University of Medical Sciences,Kerman,The Islamic Republic of Iran.
authors: Khodadad
authors: K
authors: Sheikhzadeh
authors: 4Tehran University of Medical Sciences,Tehran,The Islamic Republic of Iran.
authors: Saeid
authors: S
authors: Safiri
authors: 5Research Center for Health Services Management,Institute of Future Studies in Health,Kerman University of Medical Sciences,Kerman,The Islamic Republic of Iran.
authors: Mohammadreza
authors: M
authors: Amiresmaili
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D004189:Disaster Planning; D055866:Earthquakes; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007492:Iran; D054527:Mass Casualty Incidents; D015980:Public Health Practice; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012066:Relief Work; D000078329:Workforce