Preventive measures used by health professionals against the Coronavirus pandemic: Morocco's experience

ABSTRACT

Coronavirus 2019 is considered the disease of the century. It has caused worldwide panic. The practices of health professionals have been a challenge to cope with this disease and stop the spread of the pandemic. Objectives: The present study aims to describe the preventive measures applied by health professionals and their experience in dealing with COVID-19. Methods: This study was conducted in April and May 2020 in central Morocco, at the «Sidi Said» hospital in Meknes, which is reserved for the care of people affected by COVID-19. An exploratory survey was conducted among all the caregivers working in this hospital. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data, which were processed and statically analysed by Epi-info. Results: A total of 104 (73.5%) participants took part in the study. Most of them (70%) were women. More than half were nurses (59%). The majority (84%) received the COVID-19 vaccine. We found that the majority of caregivers had good knowledge about COVID-19 and about 43% of them received clinical simulation coaching. The most commonly used preventive measures to combat the pandemic were wearing masks (100%), hand washing and disinfection (96%), wearing gloves (81%) and face shields (64%). Conclusions: Health professionals have a good knowledge of Covid19, the correct use of protective equipment, hand hygiene and maintenance of the premises where the approach adopted by health care workers to control Covid19. However, raising awareness among citizens remains a key strategy for eliminating this pandemic.