COVID 19: evaluating the knowledge, attitude and preventive practices of healthcare workers in Northern Nigeria

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Date
2021-02-19
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
International Journal of Maternal and Child Health and AIDS (IJMA)
Abstract
Background: Although much is known about the rapidly spreading COVID-19 disease, a lot of knowledge is still evolving. The knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of healthcare workers (HCWs) towards COVID-19 remain key in protecting themselves and in fighting the “war” against the disease. This study assessed the KAP of HCWs in Kano, northern Nigeria. Methodology: A cross-section of different cadre of healthcare workers was recruited online via google forms. Using a link, the participants completed an adapted from a similar study, pre-tested questionnaire on KAP regarding COVID-19. Predictors of KAP were assessed using logistic regression modelling. Results: Among the 651 HCWs invited to participate, 233 respondents responded giving a response rate of 35.8%. Of these, 195 (83.7%) had good knowledge, 183 (78.9%) had a positive attitude and 180 (77.6%) had good practice towards prevention of COVID-19. The odds of having good knowledge were significantly lower among Community Health Officers/Community Health Extension workers (aOR=0.2, 95% CI: 0.1-0.6;p<0.001) and other health workers compared to doctors. Positive attitude was predicted by good knowledge (aOR=4.8, 95% CI:1.7-010.2;p=0.003), being in the fifth decade of life (aOR=5.5, 95% CI: 1.1–29.3, p=0.04), female gender (aOR=3.0, 95% CI: 1.1-8.3;p=0.04), Christian faith (aOR=7.0, 95% CI: 1.3-40.4; p=0.03), and having a bachelors’ or medical degree (aOR=4.6, 95% CI: 1.3-16.5).The only predictor of good practice was good knowledge on COVID-19 (aOR=7.8, 95% CI 2.8-12.4;p<0.001). Conclusion and Global Health Implications: Majority of the HCWs at the study site have good knowledge, attitude and practice regarding COVID-19. Continuous dissemination of information on prevention of spread of COVID-19 to all HCWs will strengthen the health workforce in the fight against it.
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Keywords
Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Health care practitioners, Medical doctors, Pharmacists, Corona virus, COVID-19, Healthcare workers, Northern Nigeria, Nigeria, ACEPHAP, ACE: Population Health and Policy, Bayero University, Kano, Aishatu Muhammad Nalado, Omeiza Baba Agoyi
Citation
atimah, Taiwo, Baba, Aishatu, Omeiza, Hadiza, & Salihu, H. M. (2021). COVID 19: Evaluating the Knowledge, Attitude and Preventive Practices of Healthcare Workers in Northern Nigeria. International Journal of Maternal and Child Health and AIDS (IJMA), 10(1), 88–97. https://doi.org/10.21106/ijma.418
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