scholarly journals Knowledge and Perception of COVID-19 Pandemic During the First Wave (Feb-May 2020): a Web Based Survey Among Italian Healthcare Workers

Author(s):  
Caterina Rizzo ◽  
Ilaria Campagna ◽  
Elisabetta Pandolfi ◽  
Ileana Croci ◽  
Luisa Russo ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Italy was the first country in Europe to face the coronavirus pandemic. Healthcare workers (HCWs) were at higher risk of contracting COVID-19, because of their closer contact with patients. The present study aimed to analyze HCWs’ knowledge, practices, and attitude towards COVID-19.MethodsWe set up a cross-sectional survey through SurveyMonkey® and circulated the link in Facebook and Whatsapp closed groups. It was conducted in Italy from the end of February to the first week of May 2020. The study participants were general practitioners, pediatricians and other health professionals. Data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire including demographic, scope of knowledge, awareness and practice assessment section.ResultsA total of 958 participants were included. Of these, 320 (33.4%) were general practitioners, 248 (25.9%) were pediatricians and 390 (40.7%) were other health professionals. The highest response rate was from Northern Italy (48.1%), followed by the Center (29.9%) and Southern Italy (22.0%). The reported risk of having contact with a patient affected by Covid-19 was higher in the lockdown period than the pre-lockdown period (19.4% vs 10.2%, p=0.002). Respondents reported to have changed their clinical practice, more during lockdown period (81.1%) than in the pre-lockdown (46.3%). Particularly, they increased the use of masks (87.1%, p<0.001), disinfection and sanitization of doctors’ offices (75.8%, p<0.001), the use of protective glasses (71.2%, p<0.001), alcoholic hand solution (71.2%, p<0.001), and hand washing (31.8%, p=0.028).ConclusionsThe majority of HCWs felt prepared to face the pandemic, and increased significantly their knowledge on infection prevention and control measures less known in the routine clinical practice (such as use of protective glasses and alcoholic hand solution), compared to other well-known measures (such as hand washing). HCWs are at high risk of infection and need extensive knowledge and awareness of the disease to take adequate precautionary measures and they are crucial to disseminate good practices.

Author(s):  
Caterina Rizzo ◽  
Ilaria Campagna ◽  
Elisabetta Pandolfi ◽  
Ileana Croci ◽  
Luisa Russo ◽  
...  

Italy was the first country in Europe to face the coronavirus pandemic. The aim of the study was to analyze healthcare workers’ (HCWs) level of information, practice, and risk perception towards COVID-19. We set up a cross-sectional study through SurveyMonkey® and distributed the link through Facebook and Whatsapp closed groups. The research instrument was a 31 items questionnaire distributed using Facebook and Whatsapp. It was conducted in Italy from February to May 2020. The study participants were general practitioners, pediatricians and other health professionals. A total of 958 participants were included: 320 (33.4%) general practitioners, 248 (25.9%) pediatricians and 390 (40.7%) other health professionals. The highest response rate was from Northern Italy (48.1%), followed by Central Italy (29.9%) and Southern Italy (22.0%). Less than a half (46%) of respondents felt they had a good level of information of COVID-19 case definition and of national prevention guidelines. Respondents reported to have changed their clinical practice; particularly, they increased the use of masks (87.1%, p < 0.001), disinfection and sanitization of doctors’ offices (75.8%, p < 0.001), the use of protective glasses (71.2%, p < 0.001), alcoholic hand solution (71.2%, p < 0.001), and hand washing (31.8%, p = 0.028). HCWs are at high risk of infection; less than a half of them felt adequately prepared to face COVID-19 pandemic, so they need extensive information and awareness of the disease to take adequate precautionary measures, and they are crucial to disseminate good practices.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trine Stub ◽  
Miek C.Jong ◽  
Agnete E. Kristoffersen

Abstract Background: The Norwegian authorities decided on a nationwide lockdown to prevent spread of the COVID-19 virus. The lockdown had huge socioeconomic consequences for the society. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) providers in Norway.Method: This cross-sectional survey analyzed data from a self-administrated questionnaire. A total of 581 CAM providers completed the questionnaire, which was designed to describe consequences for CAM providers and their clinical practice after the nationwide lockdown. Between group differences were analyzed using chi-square, ANOVA and Fisher’s exact test. Significance level was defined as p < 0.05 without adjustment for multiple comparisons.Result: During the nationwide lockdown of Norway, 38.4% of respondents were able to provide CAM treatment to their patients. Of those, the majority (96.4%) had reorganized their clinical practice in accordance with COVID-19 hygiene regulations, offered video consultations (57.4%) or telephone consultations (46.6%). To manage financially during the lockdown, half of the providers spent their savings (48.7%). More than one third (35.1%) was supported by their partner, and 26.7% received compensation from the Norwegian state. A total of 26.3% of the CAM providers had other paid work that provided them with income. Nearly a quarter (18.6%) borrowed money from friends and family, changed their loan terms, or took out new bank loans. The majority (62.7%) expressed uncertainty about the future of their practice. CAM providers who had reorganized their practice to online consultations were more optimistic. Conclusion: The impact of COVID-19 on CAM providers was considerable. It adversely affected their clinical practice, financial situation, and view on their future practice. To ensure that the health needs of the Norwegian population regarding CAM use are met during pandemic times like COVID-19, it is recommended to support and train CAM providers in the development of online CAM services, as well as efficient implementation of infection prevention and control measures.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trine Stub ◽  
Miek C. Jong ◽  
Agnete E. Kristoffersen

Abstract BackgroundThe Norwegian authorities decided on a nationwide lockdown to prevent spread of the COVID-19 virus. The lockdown had huge socioeconomic consequences for the society. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) providers in Norway.MethodThis cross-sectional survey analyzed data from a self-administrated questionnaire. A total of 581 CAM providers completed the questionnaire, which was designed to describe consequences for CAM providers and their clinical practice after the nationwide lockdown. Between group differences were analyzed using chi-square, ANOVA and Fisher’s exact test. Significance level was defined as p < 0.05 without adjustment for multiple comparisons.ResultDuring the nationwide lockdown of Norway, 38.4% of respondents were able to provide CAM treatment to their patients. Of those, the majority (96.4%) had reorganized their clinical practice in accordance with COVID-19 hygiene regulations, offered video consultations (57.4%) or telephone consultations (46.6%). To manage financially during the lockdown, half of the providers spent their savings (48.7%). More than one third (35.1%) was supported by their partner, and 26.7% received compensation from the Norwegian state. A total of 26.3% of the CAM providers had other paid work that provided them with income. Nearly a quarter (18.6%) borrowed money from friends and family, changed their loan terms, or took out new bank loans. The majority (62.7%) expressed uncertainty about the future of their practice. CAM providers who had reorganized their practice to online consultations were more optimistic. ConclusionThe impact of COVID-19 on CAM providers was considerable. It adversely affected their clinical practice, financial situation, and view on their future practice. To ensure that the health needs of the Norwegian population regarding CAM use are met during pandemic times like COVID-19, it is recommended to support and train CAM providers in the development of online CAM services, as well as efficient implementation of infection prevention and control measures.


Author(s):  
Oladele Vincent Adeniyi ◽  
David Stead ◽  
Mandisa Singata-Madliki ◽  
Joanne Batting ◽  
Leo Hyera ◽  
...  

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of infection by the virulent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Though data exist on the positivity rate of the SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test as well as COVID-19-related deaths amongst HCWs in South Africa, the overall infection rate remains underestimated by these indicators. It is also unclear whether the humoral immune response after SARS-CoV-2 infection offers durable protection against reinfection. This study will assess the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence amongst HCWs in the Eastern Cape (EC) and examine the longitudinal changes (rate of decay) in the antibody levels after infection in this cohort. Using a multi-stage cluster sampling of healthcare workers in selected health facilities in the EC, a cross-sectional study of 2250 participants will be recruited. In order to assess the community infection rate, 750 antenatal women in the same settings will be recruited. Relevant demographic and clinical characteristics will be obtained by a self-administered questionnaire. A chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) will be used for the qualitative detection of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. A nested cohort study will be conducted by performing eight-weekly antibody assays (X2) from 201 participants who tested positive for both SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR and serology. Logistic regression models will be fitted to identify the independent risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The cumulative SARS-CoV-2 infection rate and infection fatality rate among the frontline HCWs will be estimated. In addition, the study will highlight the overall effectiveness of infection prevention and control measures (IPC) per exposure sites/wards at the selected health facilities. Findings will inform the South African Department of Health’s policies on how to protect HCWs better as the country prepares for the second wave of the SARS-CoV pandemic.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helene Carrier ◽  
Anna Zaytseva ◽  
Aurélie Bocquier ◽  
Patrick Villani ◽  
Martin Fortin ◽  
...  

Abstract Background. Cooperation between general practitioners (GPs) and other health professionals appears to help reduce the risk of adverse events linked to polypharmacy for patients with multimorbidity. We investigated the existence of different GP profiles according to their opinions and behaviors about such cooperation and studied the association between these profiles and the GPs’ characteristics and deprescribing behaviors.Methods. Between May and July 2016, we performed a cross-sectional survey in a panel of French GPsabout their management of patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy, focusing specifically on their opinions of healthcare professionals’ roles and interprofessional cooperation. We used an agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis to identify GP profiles and then multivariable logistic regression models to study their associations with these doctors' characteristics and deprescribing behaviors.Results. We identified four profiles of GPs according to their cooperation propensities: GPs from the “intensive” profile (14%) were favorable to cooperating with various health professionals, including delegating some prescribing tasks to pharmacists; GPs from the "moderate" profile (47%) had favorable opinions about health professionals’ roles, except for this specific task delegation; GPs from the "selective" profile (27%) tended to work only with physicians; GPs from the "low cooperation" profile (12%) didn’t appeared interested in cooperation. These profiles were associated with different professional characteristics.Conclusions. Current health policies encourage interprofessional cooperation for the management of patients with multimorbidity. Our study provides information for understanding disparities among GPs regarding working with other professionals who deal with their patients and suggests possible ways to improve cooperation.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamad-Hani Temsah ◽  
Abdulkarim Alrabiaah ◽  
Ayman Al-Eyadhy ◽  
Fahad Al-Sohime ◽  
Abdullah Al Huzaimi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Many healthcare systems initiated rapid training with COVID-19 simulations for their healthcare workers (HCWs) to build surge capacity and optimize infection control measures. This study aimed to describe COVID-19 simulation drills in international healthcare centers. Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey among simulation team leaders and HCWs, based on each center's debriefing reports from simulation centers from 30 countries in all WHO regions where COVID-19 simulation drills were conducted. The primary outcome measures were the COVID-19 simulations' characteristics, outcomes, facilitators, obstacles, and challenges encountered during the simulation sessions. Results: Invitation was sent to 500 simulation team leaders and HCWs, and 343 responded. Those who completed the study comprised 121 participants: 62.8% females; 56.2% physicians; 41.3% from East Mediterranean (EMRO) countries; 25.6% from Southeast Asian countries (SERO); and 12.4% from Europe. The frequency of simulation sessions was monthly (27.1%), weekly (24.8%), twice weekly (19.8%), or daily (21.5%). Among participants, 55.6% reported the team's full engagement in the simulation sessions. The average session length was 30–60 minutes. The most commonly reported debriefing leaders were ICU staff, simulation lab staff, and E.R. facilitators, and the least common were infection control staff. A total of 80% reported "a lot" to "a great improvement" in terms of clinical preparedness after simulation sessions, and 70% were satisfied with the COVID-19 simulation sessions and thought they were better than expected. Most of the perceived issues reported were related to infection control measures, followed by team dynamics, logistics, and patient transport issues. Conclusion: Simulation centers team leaders and HCWs reported positive feedback on COVID-19 simulation sessions. The presence of multiprofessional personnel during drills is warranted. These drills are a valuable tool for rehearsing safe dynamics of HCWs on the frontline of COVID-19.Trial registration: Not applicable.


2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rrezart Halili ◽  
Jeta Bunjaku ◽  
Bujar Gashi ◽  
Teuta Hoxha ◽  
Agron Kamberi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Many studies examined the spread of SARS-CoV-2 within populations using seroprevalence. Healthcare workers are a high-risk population due to patient contact, and studies are needed to examine seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among healthcare workers. Our study investigates the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among staff at primary healthcare institutions in Prishtina, and factors associated with seroprevalence. Methods We carried out a cross-sectional survey including SARS-CoV-2 serological testing and questionnaires with primary healthcare workers from primary healthcare facilities in the Prishtina, the capital city of Kosovo. We calculated prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, and of self-reported positive PCR test among primary healthcare workers, as well as crude and adjusted ORs for explanatory factors. Results Eighty-three of the healthcare workers (17.47%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies IgG or IgM, while 231 (48.63%) either had antibodies or a previous positive PCR test. Odds of seropositivity were affected by male gender (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.20, 3.61), and infected family members (OR 3.61, 95% CI 2.25, 5.79) of healthcare workers. Higher education, being part of larger families and having infected family members gave higher odds of positive PCR test and seropositivity. Other healthcare workers had lower odds of positive PCR test and seropositivity than physicians. Conclusion Over 17% of healthcare workers were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and close to half of them were either seropositive or PCR self-reported positive test. Several factors are associated with decreased and increased odds for such outcomes. These findings should be explored further and addressed to Kosovo policy makers, and assist them to intensify vaccination efforts, and maintain control measures until we achieve herd immunity.


Author(s):  
Rabiu Ibrahim ◽  
Abdulsalam Yakubu ◽  
Ahmed Iya Girei ◽  
Danladi Muhammed Umar

Aims: Despite control measures adopted to check the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria, healthcare workers still face a serious threat to infection due to SARS-CoV-2 virus. Adherence to control measures by healthcare workers depends on their knowledge. This study aimed to determine the knowledge of COVID-19 and related infection control practices among healthcare professionals in Gombe State. Mythology: A cross sectional study was conducted among healthcare professionals in Gombe. Relying on our network with the healthcare professionals, 500 participants were recruited into the study using simple random sampling method.  The data were collected using online questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic questions and 17questions based on knowledge and infection control practices related to COVID-19 disease in the healthcare setting adapted from a study in India. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 at uni-variate and bivariate levels with p value at < 0.05. Results: Close to three-fourth (72.1%) of the participants reported correct answer about knowledge of COVID-19, thus overall knowledge was found to be adequate for all subgroups. About four-fifth (78.9%) of doctors’ responses were correct. and the lowest (65.5%) was from CHOs, Laboratory assistants and health recorders. 43.7% of the participants could correctly define “close contact.” More than three-fourths of the participants knew the various infection control measures like rapid triage, respiratory hygiene, and cough etiquette and having a separate, well ventilated waiting area for suspected COVID-19 patients. However, less than half (47.8) of the participants were aware of the correct sequence for the application of a mask/respirator, and 62.2% of them knew the preferred hand hygiene method for visibly soiled hands. Conclusion: Regular health educational programs aimed at improving COVID-19 knowledge and infection control are needed.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clement Kevin Edet ◽  
Anthony Ike Wegbom ◽  
Prof. Victor Alangibi Kiri

Abstract Introduction: The primary healthcare workers (PHCWs) face a higher risk of infection associated with their occupation, due to inadequate supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE), inappropriate use of PPEs, and insufficient knowledge on infection prevention and control. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the preparedness for COVID-19 by PHCWs in Rivers State, Nigeria. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving the healthcare workers at the public primary healthcare facilities across the 23 local government areas (LGAs) of Rivers State, Nigeria. The descriptive statistics of mean ± standard deviation and percentage were used to present quantitative and categorical variables respectively. The preparedness for COVID-19 was measured by knowledge, attitude and preventive practices (KAP) towards the disease. The association between the KAP and demographic characteristics was tested with the Chi-square test, while the associations existing among the KAP constituents were evaluated with the Pearson correlation coefficient. Statistical significance was evaluated at P<0.05. Results: Out of 460 questionnaires distributed, 412 respondents participated in the survey, indicating a response rate of 89.6%. The proportion of respondents with good scores in knowledge, attitude, and COVID-19 related practices was 86.4% (10.66 ± 2.40), 85.0% (8.28 ± 1.94), and 97.3% (8.34 ± 1.39) respectively. Gender, occupation, and years of experience were associated with knowledge, while years of experience and marital status were associated with attitude and preventive practices. Knowledge score also had significant positive linear associations with both attitudes and practices ( scores toward COVID-19. Conclusion: Our findings revealed the level of PHCWs preparedness to fight COVID-19 in Rivers State. We suggest that public health education programs on infection prevention and control should be sustained. Furthermore, training should be tailored to meet the peculiarities of the different categories of healthcare workers and years of practice.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Zhang ◽  
Jiahui Wang ◽  
Yanhua Hao ◽  
Ke Wu ◽  
Mingli Jiao ◽  
...  

ObjectivesThe sudden outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) plunged healthcare workers (HCWs) into warfare. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of burnout and the factors associated with it among frontline HCWs fighting COVID-19.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among frontline HCWs fighting against the COVID-19 in Wuhan, Harbin, and Shenzhen during the period from February 18 to March 4. Finally, HCWs were recruited using cluster sampling, 1,163 HCWs were included in the final analysis. Burnout was measured using a 22-item Maslach Burnout Inventory scale (MBI scale).ResultsOf the participants, 48.6% suffered from burnout, and 21.8% showed a high degree of burnout. Doctors (b = 3.954, P = 0.011) and nurses (b = 3.067, P = 0.042) showed higher emotional exhaustion (EE) than administrators. Participants who worked continuously for more than 8 h a day (b = 3.392, P = 0.000), those who were unable to eat three regular daily meals (b = 2.225, P = 0.008), whose daily water intake was no more than 800 ml (b = 3.007, P = 0.000), who slept for no more than 6 h (b = 1.609, P = 0.036), and who were infected or had colleagues who were infected with COVID-19 (b = 4.182, P = 0.000) experienced much higher levels of EE, while those who could adhere to infection control procedures (b = −5.992, P = 0.000), who were satisfied with their hospital’s infection control measures(b = −3.709, P = 0.001), and who could receive sufficient psychological crisis intervention (b = −1.588, P = 0.039) reported lower levels of EE.ConclusionThe study reveals that burnout is prevalent among frontline HCWs and that the known factors associated with burnout, such as workload, and the factors directly associated with COVID-19, such as having insufficient protection, can affect burnout symptoms in frontline HCWs. Synergized and comprehensive interventions should be targeted at reducing its occurrence among frontline HCWs fighting COVID-19.


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