scholarly journals Changes in healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitudes, practices, and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamad-Hani Temsah ◽  
Abdullah Al Huzaimi ◽  
Abdulkarim Alrabiaah ◽  
Nurah Alamro ◽  
Fahad Al-Sohime ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
New Information ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Fit Testing ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Anxiety Levels

AbstractIntroductionCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused an unprecedented health crisis around the world, not least because of its heterogeneous clinical presentation and course. The new information on the pandemic emerging daily has made it challenging for healthcare workers (HCWs) to stay current with the latest knowledge, which could influence their attitudes and practices during patient care.MethodsThis study is a follow-up evaluation of changes in HCWs’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices as well as anxiety levels regarding COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. Data were collected through an anonymous, predesigned, self-administered questionnaire that was sent online to HCWs in Saudi Arabia.ResultsThe questionnaire was sent to 1500 HCWs, with a 63.8% response rate (N=957). The majority of respondents were female (83%), and the most common age group was 31–40 years (52.2%). Nurses constituted 86.3% of the respondents. HCWs reported higher anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic which increased from 4.91±2.84 to 8.6±2.27 on an 11-point Likert scale compared to other viral outbreaks. HCWs believed that their own preparedness as well as that of their hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU) or emergency room (ER) was higher during the COVID-19 pandemic than during the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus pandemic (2012–2015). About 58% of HCWs attended one or more simulations concerning the management of COVID-19 patients in their ICU/ER, and nearly all had undergone N95 mask fit testing. The mean score of HCWs’ knowledge of COVID-19 was 9.89/12. For most respondents (94.6%), the perception of being at increased risk of infection was the main cause of anxiety related to COVID-19; the mean score of anxiety over COVID-19 increased from 4.91±2.84 before to 8.6±2.27 during the pandemic in Saudi Arabia.ConclusionsHCWs’ anxiety levels regarding COVID-19 have increased since a pandemic was declared. It is vital that healthcare facilities provide more emotional and psychological support for all HCWs.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Related to COVID-19 Among Healthcare Workers in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-sectional Study.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amina M. Al Marzouqi ◽  
Michael E. Otim ◽  
Heba H. Hijazi ◽  
Leena S. Kehail ◽  
Ramsha A. Kamal
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Abstract Objectives: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is a global health pandemic that continues to have an impact on many aspects of everyday life. This study investigates the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) related to COVID-19 among healthcare workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: This study uses a cross-sectional study design. The original data were collected using an online questionnaire distributed via a Google Forms link. Participants were healthcare workers currently working in the UAE healthcare facilities and recruited using snowball sampling. The questionnaire collected information on demographic variables and COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes, and practice.Results: In total, the sample of 107 healthcare workers completed the survey. About 92% of the participants worked in public institutions, 87% were from Dubai, and 673% were female. The majority were aged 31–40 years (34.6%), and 43% were radiographers. 66.4% held bachelor’s degrees and Indian nationalities were (28%) and the Philippinos were (28%). Most (90.7%) participants knew the absence of fever did not mean that the virus could not transmit from an infected person, and 84.1% agreed that wearing general medical masks prevented one from contracting COVID-19. However, only 36.4% strongly believed that wearing a well-fitting face mask was effective. In addition, only 15.9% reported confidently managing patients with symptoms of COVID-19, and 54.2% reported that they were afraid of contracting the virus from patients. Almost half of the participants avoided patients who had symptoms of COVID-19. Conclusion: Overall, healthcare workers’ COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices for healthcare workers in UAE healthcare facilities was very high. However, we found gaps in awareness regarding the spread of the pandemic. Our study recommends that providing healthcare workers with education programs and counseling services would help increase their confidence in treating patients with COVID-19.

scholarly journals Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Workers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Perceived Stress Scale Measures

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 377-388
Author(s):  
Nuha Alwaqdani ◽  
Hala A. Amer ◽  
Reem Alwaqdani ◽  
Fahad AlMansour ◽  
Hind A. Alzoman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Perceived Stress Scale ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Stress Scale ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Stress Levels

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful and of considerable concern among health care workers (HCWs). Being particularly at increased risk for exposure, HCWs worry about becoming infected as well as infecting co-workers, patients and family members. Such distress and panic may have destructive effects on individuals and may last long after the pandemic situation leading to depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to measure and investigate the prevalence of the factors affecting psychological stress during the COVID-19 pandemic among HCWs. Methods A self-administered online survey—including perceived stress scale (PSS) questions—was disseminated among HCWs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (SA) between1st June and 30th July 2020. Results A total of 469 HCWs responded to the survey for a high response rate (93.8%). The PSS revealed that 15.8% of the respondents were suffering from high stress levels, 77.2% were suffering from moderate stress levels and 7% with low stress levels. Females and junior frontline staff reported more severe stress levels. Participation on the pandemic team shows significant impact on stress levels. Conclusion COVID-19 pandemic has increased stress levels among HCWs and affects their psychological wellbeing. Designing programs promoting HCWs mental health are crucial and emotional and psychological support strategies should be part of every public health crisis management plan.

scholarly journals The major worldwide stress of healthcare professionals during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic – the international COVISTRESS survey

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. e0257840
Author(s):  
Sébastien Couarraze ◽  
Louis Delamarre ◽  
Fouad Marhar ◽  
Binh Quach ◽  
Jiao Jiao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Medical Doctors ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Paramedical Staff ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
Very High

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has initiated an upheaval in society and has been the cause of considerable stress during this period. Healthcare professionals have been on the front line during this health crisis, particularly paramedical staff. The aim of this study was to assess the high level of stress of healthcare workers during the first wave of the pandemic. Materials and methods The COVISTRESS international study is a questionnaire disseminated online collecting demographic and stress-related data over the globe, during the pandemic. Stress levels were evaluated using non-calibrated visual analog scale, from 0 (no stress) to 100 (maximal stress). Results Among the 13,537 individuals from 44 countries who completed the survey from January to June 2020, we included 10,051 workers (including 1379 healthcare workers, 631 medical doctors and 748 paramedical staff). The stress levels during the first wave of the pandemic were 57.8 ± 33 in the whole cohort, 65.3 ± 29.1 in medical doctors, and 73.6 ± 27.7 in paramedical staff. Healthcare professionals and especially paramedical staff had the highest levels of stress (p < 0.001 vs non-healthcare workers). Across all occupational categories, women had systematically significantly higher levels of work-related stress than men (p < 0.001). There was a negative correlation between age and stress level (r = -0.098, p < 0.001). Healthcare professionals demonstrated an increased risk of very-high stress levels (>80) compared to other workers (OR = 2.13, 95% CI 1.87–2.41). Paramedical staff risk for very-high levels of stress was higher than doctors’ (1.88, 1.50–2.34). The risk of high levels of stress also increased in women (1.83, 1.61–2.09; p < 0.001 vs. men) and in people aged <50 (1.45, 1.26–1.66; p < 0.001 vs. aged >50). Conclusions The first wave of the pandemic was a major stressful event for healthcare workers, especially paramedical staff. Among individuals, women were the most at risk while age was a protective factor.

scholarly journals 1326. Inter-Professional Education and Training to Build Capacity Among Healthcare Workers in Singapore

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S405-S405
Author(s):  
Jessica Michaels ◽  
Dariusz Olszyna ◽  
Frank Ng ◽  
Cheng Chuan Lee ◽  
Sophia Archuleta
Keyword(s):  
Professional Education ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Attrition Rate ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Education ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Hiv Clinical Care

Abstract Background People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in Singapore continue to face stigma and confidentiality concerns in their interactions with Healthcare Workers (HCWs). There is a recognized gap in HIV-related knowledge and lack of training opportunities for HCWs in Singapore, particularly amongst nonphysicians and other HCWs who do not regularly care for PLHIV. The HCW HIV Education Series was conceptualized to address these issues and to improve the HIV-related knowledge, attitudes and practices of HCWs in Singapore. Methods The HCW HIV Education Series is organized by an interprofessional organizing committee. The series is made up of four half day modules which are conducted quarterly. The modules are designed and implemented to cater to as many HCWs as possible. The modules function as a series but can also be run as standalone education sessions. The modules are: HIV Basics, Working with PLHIV, Basic HIV Clinical Care and Advanced HIV Clinical Care. In its pilot year (2016–2017), 334 HCWs, predominantly nurses, pharmacists, and social workers attended the series. The HCWs attended from diverse healthcare settings, including public and private hospitals, nursing homes, faith based and community organizations. Pre- and post-module evaluations were completed by participants. Results Only 5% of Module 1 attendees had previously received training in HIV. Across all four modules, there was a marked improvement in knowledge and confidence pre- and post-training. 95% of attendees across all modules felt that they had gained new skills that would add value to their work. While 97% of attendees of Module 1 planned to attend future modules, the attrition rate between modules was high. Conclusion The HCW HIV Education Series is highly evaluated and well attended. Efforts to maintain and strengthen attendance across all modules is needed, the delivery of the modules over a 2-day period may be an effective way to achieve this. Research into the experiences of PLHIV in healthcare facilities should also be considered. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards viral haemorrhagic fevers amongst healthcare workers in urban and rural public healthcare facilities in the N’zérékoré Prefecture, Guinea: a cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel Raab ◽  
Lisa M. Pfadenhauer ◽  
Tamba Jacques Millimouno ◽  
Michael Hoelscher ◽  
Guenter Froeschl
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Good Knowledge ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Public Healthcare ◽  
Case Detection ◽  
Rural Healthcare ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Suspect Case

Abstract Introduction: The 2013-2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa began in Guinea’s Forest region, a region now considered to be at high risk for future epidemics of viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHF). Good knowledge, attitudes and practices towards VHF amongst healthcare workers in such regions are a central pillar of infection prevention and control (IPC). To inform future training in IPC, this study assesses the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) towards VHF amongst healthcare workers in public healthcare facilities in the most populated prefecture in Forest Guinea, and compares results from urban and rural areas. Methods: In June and July 2019, we interviewed 102 healthcare workers in the main urban and rural public healthcare facilities in the N’zérékoré prefecture in Forest Guinea. We used an interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from validated KAP surveys. Results: The great majority of respondents demonstrated good knowledge and favourable attitudes towards VHF. However, respondents reported some gaps in preventive practices such as VHF suspect case detection. They also reported a shortage of protective medical equipment used in everyday clinical work in both urban and rural healthcare facilities and a lack of training in IPC, especially in rural healthcare facilities. However, whether or not healthcare workers had been trained in IPC did not seem to influence their level of KAP towards VHF. Conclusions: Three years after the end of the Ebola epidemic, our findings suggest that public healthcare facilities in the N’zérékoré prefecture in Forest Guinea still lack essential protective equipment and some practical training in VHF suspect case detection. To minimize the risk of future VHF epidemics and improve management of outbreaks of infectious diseases in the region, current efforts to strengthen the public healthcare system in Guinea should encompass questions of supply and IPC training.

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to COVID-19 Pandemic among healthcare workers in the United Arab Emirates: A cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amina M. Al Marzouqi ◽  
Michael E. Otim ◽  
Leena S. Kehail ◽  
Ramsha A. Kamal
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
New Variant ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Abstract Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19 Pandemic) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is a global health issue that continues to have an impact on many aspects of everyday life. A new variant, Omicron variant, has just been detected in Southern Africa. Most countries are jittery and unsure what the impact of this new variant will be. This study, undertaken in 2021, investigated the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) related to the COVID-19 Pandemic among healthcare workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).Methods: We used an online questionnaire to collect data using the Google Forms link in this cross-sectional study. The participants included healthcare workers currently working in UAE healthcare facilities using snowball sampling. The questionnaire contained information on demographic variables and COVID-19 Pandemic-related KAP.Results: Among the participants, the majority (90.7%) knew that the absence of fever did not mean there was no chance of transmission from an infected person. Further, 84.1% agreed that wearing general medical face masks helps prevent one from contracting COVID-19 Pandemic. However, only 36.4% strongly believed that wearing a well-fitting face mask was effective. In addition, only 15.9% reported confidently managing patients with symptoms of COVID-19 Pandemic, while 54.2% indicated they were afraid of contracting the virus from patients. Almost half the participants noted that they avoided patients who had symptoms of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Conclusion: Overall, the COVID-19 Pandemic-related KAP for healthcare workers in UAE healthcare facilities was very high. However, we found gaps in awareness regarding the spread of the virus. We recommend providing healthcare workers with education programs and counseling services to help increase their confidence in treating patients with the COVID-19 Pandemic.

scholarly journals Health-care workers in gastrointestinal endoscopy are at higher risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to other aerosol-generating disciplines

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph Roemmele ◽  
Alanna Ebigbo ◽  
Maria Kahn ◽  
Stephan Zellmer ◽  
Anna Muzalyova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Setting ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Potential Risk Factors ◽  
Outpatient Settings ◽  
Medical Disciplines

Objective: Healthcare workers (HCW) are at high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to exposure to potentially infectious material, especially during aerosol-generating procedures (AGP). We aimed to investigate the prevalence of infection among HCW in medical disciplines with AGP. Design: A nationwide questionnaire-based study in in- and outpatient settings was conducted between 12/16/2020 and 01/24/2021. Data on SARS-CoV-2 infections among HCW and potential risk factors were investigated. Results: 2,070 healthcare facilities with 25,113 employees were included in the study. Despite a higher rate of pre-interventional testing, clinics treated three times more confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases than private practices (28.8% vs. 88.4%, p<0.001). Overall infection rate among HCW accounted for 4.7%. Multivariate analysis revealed that ZIP-regions having comparably higher incidences were significantly associated with increased risk of infection. Furthermore, clinical setting and the GIE specialty have more than double the risk of infection (OR 2.63; 95% CI 2.501-2.817, p<0.01 and OR 2.35; 95% CI 2.245-2.498, p<0.01). The number of procedures performed per day was also significantly associated with an increased risk of infection (OR 1.01; 95% CI 1.007-1.014), p<0.01). No treatment of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases was tending to lower the risk of infection (OR 0.72; 95% CI 0.507-1.025, p=0.068). Conclusion: HCW in GIE seem to be at higher risk of infection than those in other AGP, especially in the clinical setting. Regions having comparably higher incidences as well as the number of procedures performed per day were also significantly associated with increased risk of infection.

scholarly journals Risk of burnout among emergency physicians at a tertiary care centre in Saudi Arabia

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulmohsen Alsaawi ◽  
Khaled Alrajhi ◽  
Saad Albaiz ◽  
Mohammed Alsultan ◽  
Majid Alsalamah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Human Services ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Maslach Burnout Inventory ◽  
Emergency Physicians ◽  
Risk Zone ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Mean

Background: Emergency Medicine physicians are shown to be at increased risk of burnout. In this study, we aimed to assess the risk of burnout among emergency physicians working at one of the largest Emergency Departments in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional study based on a structured questionnaire Maslach Burnout Inventory- Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS), which has been previously tested and validated extensively. The study targeted all physicians in the Emergency Department (ED) at a tertiary medical center in Riyadh. A total of 72 emergency physicians were included in the study. Results: Overall, 53 (74%) out of 72 subjects filled the questionnaire. Out of the 53 respondents, 45 (85%) were males and eight (15%) females. The years of practice experience ranged from six months to 24 years, with a median of seven years. Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey subscale results: Emotional Exhaustion (EE): The mean EE score was 2.72 (SD 1.28), with 21 participants (40%) in the high-risk zone. Depersonalization (DP): The mean DP score was 1.86 (SD 1.31), with 21 participants (40%) in the high-risk zone. Personal Accomplishment (PA): The mean PA score was 4.5 (SD 0.9), with 17 participants (32%) in the high-risk zone. Conclusion: Our results are consistent with previous literature in showing that emergency physicians are at a moderate to high risk of burnout. Decision makers should take serious steps to address the threat, in order to minimize the risk of burnout and its impact on physicians as well as the patient they care for.

scholarly journals Skin Cancer and Its Correlates: A Study of Knowledge and Preventive Behavior in Riyadh

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fahad Alamri ◽  
Mohammed Y. Saeedi ◽  
Muslet Alharbi ◽  
Arwa M. Ali ◽  
Ahmed K. Ibrahim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Skin Color ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Riyadh City ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
Preventive Methods

Background: Worldwide, the incidence of skin cancer has increased due to increased UV exposure to solar and artificial sources. In Saudi Arabia, skin cancer ranked the 9th most common cancer for both sexes. However, it is considered to be a preventable disease. WHO has proposed several preventive methods to avoid the damaging effects of excessive exposure to UV rays including; social education and adopting positive behavioral changes. The present study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of people in Riyadh city towards skin cancer. Results: The mean respondent's age was 35 years (12-65 years). Females represented about two-thirds of the 341 respondent. A statistically significant associations were detected between awareness about skin cancer with the age (Beta =0.03, p =0.047), educational level (Beta =0.63, p =0.042) and skin color (Beta =-2.14, p<0.001) being significant predictors for disease. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this was the first study to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding skin cancer in Saudi Arabia. Despite the limitations, the present study’s findings suggested that Saudis lack the sufficient knowledge to understand and assess the importance of skin cancer risk. In addition, the level of knowledge, attitude and behaviors are influenced by several factors as age, education level and skin color.

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