Risk perceptions and preventive practices of COVID-19 among healthcare professionals in public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Healthcare professionals are at higher risk of contracting the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although appropriate preventive measures are the most important interventions to prevent coronavirus infection among healthcare workers, they are also highly concerned about the consequences of the pandemic. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess preventive practices, perceived risk and worry about COVID-19 crisis among healthcare professionals at six public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 1,134 respondents (52.6% females). Data were collected between 9th and 20th June 2020 using self-administered questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with worry about COVID-19 crisis. The highest percentage of respondents were nurses (39.3%) and physicians (22.2%), followed by interns (10.8%) and midwives (10.3%). Wearing facemask (93%) and frequent hand washing (93%) were the commonly reported preventive practices. Perceived risk of becoming infected with coronavirus (88%) and the potential risk of infection to their family (91%) were very high. The mean (median) worry score about COVID-19 crisis was 2.37 (3.0), on 1 to 3 scale, with 1 (not worried) and 3 (highly worried). The majority worried a lot about the health system being overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients (92%), the health of their loved ones (90%) and losing someone due to COVID-19 (89%). Respondents who had previously provided clinical care to Ebola, SARS and cholera patients had significantly lower levels of worry about COVID-19 crisis than participants who had not (β = -1.38, P<0.001). Our findings reveal respondents’ widespread practice of preventive measures, highest levels of perceived risk and worry about the COVID-19 crisis. Increased perceived risk and worry about COVID-19 might enable healthcare workers to adopt appropriate preventive measures more effectively against the disease.

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Risk perceptions and preventive practices of COVID-19 among healthcare professionals in public hospitals in Ethiopia

10.1101/2020.11.04.367896 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Wakgari Deressa ◽

Alemayehu Worku ◽

Workeabeba Abebe ◽

Muluken Gizaw ◽

Wondwosson Amogne

Keyword(s):

Risk Perception ◽

Risk Perceptions ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

Health Workers ◽

Addis Ababa ◽

Clinical Care ◽

Public Hospitals ◽

Preventive Practices

AbstractHealthcare professionals are at higher risk of contracting the novel coronavirus due to their work exposure in the healthcare settings. Practicing appropriate preventive measures to control COVID-19 infection is one of the most important interventions that healthcare workers are expected to use. The aim of this study was to assess the level of risk perception and practices of preventive measures of COVID-19 among health workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 9th to 26th June 2020 among healthcare professionals working at six public hospitals in Addis Ababa. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Frequency, percentage, and mean were used to summarize the data. A binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with risk perception about COVID-19. A total of 1,134 participants were surveyed. Wearing facemask (93%), hand washing for at least 20 seconds (93%), covering mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing (91%), and avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth (91%) were the commonly self-reported preventive practices. About 88% perceived that they were worried about the risk of becoming infected with coronavirus, and majority (91%) worried about the risk of infection to their family. The mean score of overall fear and worry of COVID-19 was 2.37 on a scale of 1 to 3. Respondents who ever provided clinical care to COVID-19 patients were more likely to report fear and worry (adjusted OR=1.34, 95% CI:1.02-1.91), however those who ever participated in Ebola or SARS outbreaks were less likely to report fear and worry due to COVID-19 crisis (adjusted OR=0.66, 95% CI:0.48-0.90). This study has revealed widespread practices of preventive measures and the highest perceived risk of COVID-19 among healthcare workers. Therefore, an effective risk communication intervention should be implemented to ensure the maintenance of appropriate practices during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

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Risk perceptions and preventive practices of COVID-19 among healthcare professionals in public hospitals in Ethiopia

10.1101/2020.10.30.20223180 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Wakgari Deressa ◽

Alemayehu Worku ◽

Workeabeba Abebe ◽

Muluken Gizaw ◽

Wondwosson Amogne

Keyword(s):

Risk Perception ◽

Risk Perceptions ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

Health Workers ◽

Addis Ababa ◽

Clinical Care ◽

Public Hospitals ◽

Preventive Practices

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Availability and use of personal protective equipment and satisfaction of healthcare professionals during COVID-19 pandemic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Archives of Public Health ◽

10.1186/s13690-021-00668-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 79 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Wakgari Deressa ◽

Alemayehu Worku ◽

Workeabeba Abebe ◽

Muluken Gizaw ◽

Wondwossen Amogne

Keyword(s):

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Addis Ababa ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Public Hospitals ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Healthcare Facilities ◽

Increased Risk

Abstract Background Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are at the frontline in the fight against COVID-19 and are at an increased risk of becoming infected with coronavirus. Risk of infection can be minimized by use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE). The aim of this study was to assess the availability and use of PPE, and satisfaction of HCPs with PPE in six public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1134 HCPs in June 2020. A systematic random sampling and consecutive sampling techniques were used to select the study participants. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the data and Chi-square test was used to assess the association between the groups. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess factors associated with satisfaction of healthcare workers. Results The mean (±SD) age of the participants was 30.26 ± 6.43 year and 52.6% were females. Nurses constituted about 40% of the overall sample, followed by physicians (22.2%), interns (10.8%), midwives (10.3%) and others (16.7%). The majority (77%) of the HCPs reported that their hospital did not have adequate PPE. A critical shortage of N95 respirators was particularly reported, it only increased from 13 to 24% before and during COVID-19, respectively. The use of N95 increased from 9 to 21% before and during COVID-19, respectively. Almost 72% of the respondents were dissatisfied with the availability and use of PPE in their hospital. The independent predictors of the respondents’ satisfaction level about PPE were healthcare workers who reported that PPE was adequately available in the hospital (adjusted OR = 7.65, 95% CI:5.09–11.51), and preparedness to provide care to COVID-19 cases (adjusted OR = 2.07, 95% CI:1.42–3.03). Conclusions A critical shortage of appropriate PPE and high level of dissatisfaction with the availability and use of PPE were identified. Therefore, urgent efforts are needed to adequately supply the healthcare facilities with appropriate PPE to alleviate the challenges.

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Healthcare workers’ compliance and its potential determinants to prevent COVID-19 in public hospitals in Western Ethiopia

BMC Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1186/s12879-021-06149-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Werku Etafa ◽

Gosa Gadisa ◽

Shibiru Jabessa ◽

Tagay Takele

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Workers ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

Multivariate Regression Analysis ◽

Public Hospitals ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Healthcare Associated ◽

Staff Commitment ◽

Western Ethiopia

Abstract Background Globally, Coronavirus disease-19 has created unprecedented challenges to public health. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at risk of COVID-19 because of their profession. There are limited studies conducted in Ethiopia among HCWs regarding their compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures. Therefore, this study intended to assess HCWs’ compliance with measures to prevent COVID-19, and its potential determinants in public hospitals in Western Ethiopia. Methods A self-administered, multicenter hospital-based cross-sectional survey was proposed to 422 randomly selected HCWs working in seven public hospitals in Western Ethiopia identified as COVID-19 referral centers. Data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 24. Binary logistic regression was used to identify potential determinants of outcome variables at p-value < 0.05. Results Out of 422 completed questionnaires, the overall HCWs’ compliance with COVID-19 prevention is 22% (n = 404). In multivariate regression analysis, factors such as spending most of caring time at bedside (AOR = 1.94, 95%CI, 1.06–3.55), receiving training on infection prevention/COVID-19 (AOR = 1.86, 95%CI, 1.04–3.33), reading materials on COVID-19 (AOR = 2.04, 95%CI, 1.14–3.63) and having support from hospital management (AOR = 2.09, 95%CI, 1.20–3.64) were found to be significantly associated with COVID-19 preventive measures. Furthermore, inadequate supplies of appropriate personal protective equipment (83.2%), insufficient supportive medications (78.5%), and lack of provision of adequate ventilation (77.7%) were the barriers to COVID-19 prevention most frequently mentioned by participants. Conclusion Our findings highlight HCWs’ poor compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures. Providing information and refreshing training to improve the level of healthcare workers’ adherence with COVID-19 prevention is as imperative as increasing staff commitment to supply resources necessary to protect HCWs and to reduce healthcare-associated infections transmission of SARS-COV-2.

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Regular testing of asymptomatic healthcare workers identifies cost-efficient SARS-CoV-2 preventive measures

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0258700 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (11) ◽

pp. e0258700

Author(s):

Daniel Sanchez-Taltavull ◽

Violeta Castelo-Szekely ◽

Shaira Murugan ◽

Jonathan I. D. Hamley ◽

Tim Rollenske ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Workers ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

Work Productivity ◽

Preventive Strategies ◽

Risk Of Infection ◽

Implementation Costs ◽

Sources Of Infection ◽

Cost Efficient ◽

Community Infection

Protecting healthcare professionals is crucial in maintaining a functioning healthcare system. The risk of infection and optimal preventive strategies for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic remain poorly understood. Here we report the results of a cohort study that included pre- and asymptomatic healthcare workers. A weekly testing regime has been performed in this cohort since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to identify infected healthcare workers. Based on these observations we have developed a mathematical model of SARS-CoV-2 transmission that integrates the sources of infection from inside and outside the hospital. The data were used to study how regular testing and a desynchronisation protocol are effective in preventing transmission of COVID-19 infection at work, and compared both strategies in terms of workforce availability and cost-effectiveness. We showed that case incidence among healthcare workers is higher than would be explained solely by community infection. Furthermore, while testing and desynchronisation protocols are both effective in preventing nosocomial transmission, regular testing maintains work productivity with implementation costs.

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Regular testing of asymptomatic healthcare workers identifies cost-efficient SARS-CoV-2 preventive measures

10.1101/2021.06.01.21258124 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

DANIEL SANCHEZ-TALTAVULL ◽

Violeta Castelo-Szekely ◽

Shaira Murugan ◽

Tim Rollenske ◽

Stephanie C. Ganal-Vonarburg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Workers ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

Work Productivity ◽

Preventive Strategies ◽

Risk Of Infection ◽

Implementation Costs ◽

Sources Of Infection ◽

Cost Efficient ◽

Community Infection

Protecting healthcare professionals is crucial in maintaining a functioning healthcare system. The risk of infection and optimal preventive strategies for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic remain poorly understood. Here we report the results of a weekly testing regime that has been performed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to identify pre- and asymptomatic healthcare workers. Based on these observations we have developed a mathematical model of SARS-CoV-2 transmission that integrates the sources of infection from inside and outside the hospital. The data were used to study how regular testing and a desynchronisation protocol are effective in preventing transmission of COVID-19 infection at work, and compared both strategies in terms of workforce availability and cost-effectiveness. We showed that case incidence among healthcare workers is higher than would be explained solely by community infection. Furthermore, while testing and desynchronisation protocols are both effective in preventing nosocomial transmission, regular testing maintains work productivity with implementation costs.

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Assessing knowledge, concerns, and risk perceptions among Italian medical students during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

10.1101/2021.02.04.21250922 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Manfredi Greco ◽

Elisa Maietti ◽

Flavia Rallo ◽

Chiara Reno ◽

Davide Trerè ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Perceived Risk ◽

Risk Perceptions ◽

Online Survey ◽

Scientific Information ◽

Volunteer Work ◽

Risk Of Infection ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Preventive Practices ◽

The Impact

ABSTRACTINTRODUCTIONDuring the first phase of COVID-19 pandemic, Italian medical students transitioned from in-person to remote learning. This study was carried out to early assess students’ sources of information, perceived risk of infection, knowledge and preventive practices in order to resume academic activity. The impact of training and volunteer work was also assessed.METHODSA cross-sectional online survey was conducted in May 2020 among medical students enrolled in the School of Medicine and Surgery, Bologna University.RESULTSThe analysis included 537 responses. On average students used seven sources of information on COVID-19. Scientific journals were considered the most trustworthy but they ranked only 6th in the frequency of use. Perceived risk of infection was higher for academic activities, especially in the hospital than daily living activities. Less than 50% of students reported being trained on biological risk and use of PPE. Training received was significantly associated with both perceived risk of infection and confidence in the use of PPE. Students engaged in volunteer work had higher confidence in PPE usage.DISCUSSIONAccessible scientific information and students’ engagement in spreading correct knowledge play an important role in challenging misinformation during the pandemic crisis. Students showed suboptimal knowledge about PPE use, calling for additional training. We found a moderate-high perceived risk of infection that could be mitigated with specific educational programs and by promoting voluntary work. Students’ engagement in public health emergencies (PHE) could potentially be beneficial for their training and as well as for the healthcare system.

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Risk perceptions, on-farm handling, and food safety practices among egg producing farmers in Thailand

Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies ◽

10.1108/jadee-05-2021-0110 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Kwanhatai Thongpalad ◽

Sushil Koirala ◽

Anil Kumar Anal

Keyword(s):

Food Safety ◽

Risk Perception ◽

Perceived Risk ◽

Risk Perceptions ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

Smallholder Farmers ◽

Safety Practices ◽

Content Type ◽

On Farm ◽

The Impact

PurposeSafe food from animal origins rely on preventive measures adopted at the farm level. However, farmers' awareness on the food safety risk is limited, affecting their on-farm activities. Thus, this study was conducted to assess and compare the farmers' perceptions on food safety issues and risks caused by the management and practices at layer farms.Design/methodology/approachFarmers from 143 farms certified by National Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) standard and 59 non-GAP farms were interviewed using a structured questionnaire for risk perception evaluation. Their level of perceived risk was compared using a scoring system.FindingsThe food safety hazards in eggs seem to be fairly recognized by both groups of farmers. GAP farmers demonstrated a higher risk of food safety incidences caused by inappropriate management and practices in farms than non-GAP farmers (p < 0.001). Although the results did not confirm the strong connection between risk perception and risk reduction behavior, these findings are beneficial to the food safety policy implementers to evaluate the critical issues for risk communication and for knowledge dissemination activities. The influence of other internal and external factors on farmers' food safety-related behavior should be further investigated.Research limitations/implicationsThe impact limitation was identified due to the restriction of scope on a specific population and region. The target respondents did not cover all scales, especially the backyard and smallholder farmers nor other rearing systems, such as free-range productions.Originality/valueThe knowledge regarding the food safety practices by egg producing farmers in Thailand is limited. Notably, this study contributes to the literature in elucidating the preventive behavior of food handlers and all stakeholders in the Thai food supply chain. The implementations of food safety preventive measures by two groups of farmers, GAP-certified and non-GAP-certified farmers, will guide policymakers to intervene more successfully regarding the appropriate changes needed.

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Awareness, Perceived Risk and Preventive Practice on Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) among Cancer Patient in Bir Hospital, Kathmandu

Nepal Medical College Journal ◽

10.3126/nmcj.v23i2.38523 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (2) ◽

pp. 139-145

Author(s):

Roshani Gautam ◽

Bishnu Dutta Paudel ◽

Rejina Shrestha ◽

Bhagawaty Kalikotay

Keyword(s):

Cancer Patients ◽

Perceived Risk ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Preventive Practice ◽

Preventive Practices ◽

Socio Demographic Factors ◽

Study Participants

People with cancer are at high risk for coronavirus infection because of immunosuppressive nature of disease itself and adverse effect of treatment. Knowledge and adoption of preventive practice is critical to control the outbreak of infectious disease in vulnerable populations. Hence, this study aimed to identify the awareness, perceived risk and preventive practices regarding coronavirus disease among people with cancer. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 83 cancer patients in Bir Hospital. Total enumeration sampling technique was used to collect data for two weeks and interview schedule was used. Data was analyzed in SPSS version 16, descriptive and inferential statistics was calculated. Out of 83 participants, mean score of knowledge was 37.33±7.5 and 76% of study participants had adequate awareness (>75% of total score) and the mean practice score was 24.6±2.88. None of the study participants were practicing preventive measures as per guidelines of government. The study found that level of awareness was significantly associated with the age of the participants (p=0.04). However, other socio-demographic factors were not associated with awareness. The study concluded that people with cancer had adequate awareness but had inadequate practices on preventive measures as per the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Population and WHO, which should be mandatory to contain disease outbreak. Therefore, there is an urgent need to focus on the adoption of preventive behaviors for cancer patients.

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Multilevel Factors Affecting Healthcare Workers’ Perceived Stress and Risk of Infection During COVID-19 Pandemic

International Journal of Public Health ◽

10.3389/ijph.2021.599408 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 66 ◽

Author(s):

Gilbert T. Chua ◽

Keith T. S. Tung ◽

Mike Yat Wah Kwan ◽

Rosa S. Wong ◽

Celine S. L. Chui ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Perceived Stress ◽

Perceived Risk ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Family Relationship ◽

Family Members ◽

Public Hospitals ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Hospital Policies

Objectives: This study aimed to identify key factors affecting Healthcare workers (HCWs) perceived stress and risk of contracting COVID-19 among themselves and their family members during the pandemic.Methods: A cross-sectional online questionnaire study was conducted between 19 March and April 5, 2020 in Hong Kong. HCWs from public hospitals and private dentists, and their family members participated.Results: A total of 747 HCWs and 245 family members participated. Higher perceived stress in HCWs was associated with more negative changes in family relationship (p = 0.025). The HCWs’ perceived stress, however, was positively associated with family cohesion (p = 0.033) and stress levels of family members (p < 0.001). The level of HCWs’ satisfaction toward the hospital policies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak was associated with lower levels of perceived stress and risk of themselves or their family members contracting COVID-19. HCWs’ previous frontline experience of SARS was significantly associated with less perceived risk of themselves or their family members contracting COVID-19.Conclusion: Hospital policies addressing HCWs’ needs, frontline experience of SARS, and family relationship influenced psychological wellbeing of HCWs during the COVID-19 outbreak.

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