Acceptability of prophylactic treatment against COVID-19 by paramedics

Abstract

Introduction The year 2020 was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic that killed more than one million people. Scientists around the world are looking for prophylactic treatment against this virus. Objectives The objective of our study was to assess the acceptability of prophylactic treatment against COVID-19 by paramedics. Methods Descriptive and cross-sectional study including paramedics (nurses, orderlies) from the military hospital of Tunis. Data collection was carried out by a clinical psychologist. We studied the acceptability of prophylactic treatment by paramedics, reasons for refusal and factors that may affect this choice. Results A total of 161 paramedics agreed to answer our questionnaire. The average age was 37.73 years. The average number of years worked was 14.95 years. There were 85 women (52.8%) and 76 men (47.2%). Only 59 (36.6%) agreed to take prophylactic treatment for COVID-19. The main reason for refusal was fear of side effects 57 (34.7%). Sufficient hindsight was the main factor that could make them change their decisions. This refusal was definitive for 55 (34.2%) paramedics. Conclusions Fear of drug side effects exceeds the fear of COVID.19. An information and communication strategy on the value of prophylactic treatments during a pandemic must be developed.

Keywords

• paramedic
• therapeutics
• coronavirus