Knowledge and Attitude of Health Care Workers (HCW) About Covid-19 Pandemic in the Department of Pathology

Abstract

Objective: To assess the Knowledge and Attitude of healthcare workers about COVID-19 in the Department of Pathology Study Design: A Cross Sectional Study. Place and Duration of Study: Pathology Department of Fauji Foundation Medical Hospital and Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences from 3rd March 2020 to 3rd May 2020. Materials and Methods: Out of 210 health care workers,183 responded to the questionnaire. Sampling technique was consecutive and non-probable. Data was collected through a pretested questionnaire comprising of 3 parts including demographic data, questions to assess the knowledge and attitude. T-test and ANOVA was used to analyze the relationship between the dependent variables (Knowledge and Attitude), and the independent variables (demographic characteristics). Pearson correlation was used to assess the relationship between the knowledge and attitude (mean). The level of significance was taken as p <0.05. Results: Overall the survey had a good response of 77%. Males 58% were with highest percentage of HCWs being post graduate trainee (50%). Out of 183, 94% had heard about the COVID-19 outbreak. Having knowledge that fever, cough, sore throats and shortness breath are symptoms of COVID-19 (97%, 98%, and 100%, respectively). However, there were some negative attitudes; only 58% participants thought that they would accept isolation in a health care facility if infected with COVID-19 and less than 60% of the participants were of the view that ‘transmission of COVID19 can be prevented by frequent hand washing. Overall, the study participants possessed negative attitude of 31%. Conclusion: It is concluded from our study that the overall knowledge of HCWs about COVID-19 pandemic is good but there is lack of knowledge on its management, A negative attitude is detected among HCWs. Additional educational campaigns and workshops are needed for HCWs in the setting of laboratory to improve their knowledge and attitude towards this pandemic.

Keywords

• attitude, covid-19, healthcare worker, knowledge, pakistan.