Nurses' perspectives and concerns towards an infectious disease epidemic in Egypt

ABSTRACT

Contingency plans to face infectious disease epidemics should consider the nurses preparedness to face such epidemics. The aim of this study was to 1] assess the effect of 2009 IIIN I pandemic on nurses' working behavior, 2] identify the nurses' willingness to work. concerns and persuading factors towards working during infectious disease epidemics. A cross-sectional study was conducted with nurses [professional nurses and nursing students]. During the 2009 H1N1 epidemic, marked increase in the rate of hand washing and utilization of hand disinfectants was reported by 70% and 60% of the studied nurses respectively. None of the studied nurses provided nursing care to H1N1 patients, but if' forced to do so, 41.5% would not be willing to report to duty. Fear about their families' health and increased workload were the main concerns of professional and student nurses [p>0.05]. Increased rates of infection [OR = 3.33] and deaths [OR = 2.75] among colleagues, and school closure [OR = 7.08] were significant concerns for the student compared to professional nurses [p<0.05]. Receiving treatment for one self and for family came on top of the persuading factors for all nurses. While vaccination for oneself [OR = 2.3] and family [OR = 2.0] came on top of the persuading factors for the nursing students [p<0.05]. The study concluded that providing nurses with appropriate education, training. supply of adequate protection and psycho-social support should be considered on preparing contingency plans for infectious disease disasters