Hand Hygiene Knowledge and Perception Among the Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Qassim, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey (preprint)

Hand hygiene is among the most important factors of infection control in healthcare settings. Healthcare workers are considered the primary source of hospital acquired infection. We assessed the current state of hand hygiene knowledge, perception and practice among the healthcare workers in Qassim, Saudi Arabia. In this cross-sectional study we used the hand hygiene knowledge and perception questionnaire developed by the World Health Organization. Knowledge and perceptions were classified into good (80 – 100%), moderate (60 – 79%) and poor (<60% score). Majority of the healthcare workers had moderate knowledge (57.8%) and perception (73.4%) of hand hygiene. Males were less likely to have moderate/good knowledge compared to females (OR: 0.52, p<.05). Private healthcare workers were less likely (OR: 0.33, p<0.01) to have moderate/good perception compared to the government healthcare workers. Healthcare workers who received training on hand hygiene were 3.2 times likely (p<.05) to have good/moderate perception and 3.8 times likely (p<0.05) to routinely use alcohol-based hand-rub than the ones without such training. Physicians were 4.9 times likely (p<0.05) to routinely use alcohol-based hand-rub than the technicians. Our research highlighted gaps on hand hygiene knowledge and perception and practice among healthcare workers in Qassim and importance of training in this regard.

COVID-19 vaccination intent and willingness to pay in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study (preprint)

Aim: This article reports the intent to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, its predictors and willingness to pay in Bangladesh. Subject and Methods: We did a cross-sectional survey of 697 adults in January 2021. A structured questionnaire was used to assess vaccination intent. Questionnaire included potential socio-demographic variables and health belief model constructs which may predict vaccination intent. Results: : Among the participants, 25.5% demonstrated a definite intent, 43% probable intent, 24% probable negative, and 7.5% a definite negative intention. Multivariable logistic regression analyses suggest association between definite intent and previous COVID-19 infection (OR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.71 – 4.78), perceiving COVID-19 as serious (OR: 1.93; 1.04 – 3.59), the belief that vaccination would make them feel less worried about COVID-19 (OR: 4.42; 2.25 – 8.68), and concerns about vaccine affordability (OR: 1.51; 1.01 – 2.25). Individuals afraid of the side effects (OR: 0.34; 0.21 – 0.53) and would take the vaccine if the vaccine were taken by many in public (OR: 0.44; 0.29 – 0.67) are less likely to have a definite intent. A definite negative intent is associated with the concern that the vaccine may not be halal (OR: 2.03; 1.04 – 3.96). 68.4% are willing to pay for vaccine. The median amount they are willing to pay is $7.08. Conclusion: Adequate monitoring to stop the spreading of misinformation, and further research work to understand challenges in making a new vaccine acceptable by the population are needed.