Knowledge, Attitude and Practice about COVID-19 Pandemic among Healthcare Professionals in Tertiary Healthcare Facilities in Western Rajasthan

ABSTRACT

Introduction: While managing COVID-19 patients, the healthcare professionals are at higher risk for contracting the infection and also could be a potential source of transmitting the disease in the community unknowingly. Therefore awareness [knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP)] among healthcare professionals becomes of utmost importance. Methods: We conducted this observational cross sectional study to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and perceived practices toward COVID-19 among HCWs using a self-administered questionnaire at tertiary level healthcare facility in western Rajasthan. The questionnaire was shared with all the healthcare professionals of the pre identified tertiary care facilities through electronic mail (e-mail) and the responses received were recorded and analyzed. Results: A total of 59 responses were recorded. Out of the total participants, 61% were aware of national COVID-19 helpline numbers, 54.2% answered correctly about Hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis, 13.6% answered appropriately on COVID-19 testing. Almost 96.6% acknowledged to wear a medical mask however only 55.9% participants answered correctly regarding using a face mask. 52.5% responded that ash collection as a ritual may be allowed after funeral (cremation) of the body of a COVID-19 patient. More than 90% of participants acknowledged to clean their hands > 6-10 times in a day. 72.9% of participants admitted to open the MoHFW website to keep themselves updated on COVID-19 in India and 66.1% have 'Aarogya Setu' application in their mobile phone. However only 23.7% have ever used central helpline number or email-ID to get information on COVID-19. Conlcusion We concluded that healthcare professionals were aware of the management strategies and treatment protocol however there is significant differences in the KAP of HCW sub groups. It also becomes important to study the KAP in various other populations (general populations, close contacts of COVID-19 etc.) for planning effective intervention strategies for them.