Knowledge and Perceived Effectiveness of Infection Prevention and Control Measures Among Health Care Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A National Survey.
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ABSTRACT: Background
Being the first line of defense against COVID-19 infection, health care workers (HCWs) are at an increased risk of getting infected. Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures were deemed to be instrumental in protecting them and their patients against infection.Purpose
To assess HCWs' knowledge of IPC measures and their perceived effectiveness in protecting against COVID-19.Methods
A national web-based survey was conducted in different health care sectors in Qatar.Results
A total of 1757 HCWs completed the survey. HCWs believed in applying stricter IPC precautions while dealing with confirmed COVID-19 cases than with suspected cases. Males and physicians were more likely to have high perceived effectiveness of IPC measures than females, nurses, and pharmacists. Higher proportions of HCWs believed in the effectiveness of hand hygiene than most types of personal protective equipment.Conclusion
Further research is recommended to assess the impact of HCWs' knowledge and perceived effectiveness of IPC measures on their compliance.
SUBMITTER: Abed Alah M
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8860130 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr-Jun 01
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Knowledge and Perceived Effectiveness of Infection Prevention and Control Measures Among Health Care Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A National Survey.
Abed Alah Muna M Abdeen Sami S Selim Nagah N Hamdani Dhouha D Radwan Eman E Sharaf Nahla N Al-Katheeri Huda H Bougmiza Iheb I
Journal of nursing care quality 20220401 2
<h4>Background</h4>Being the first line of defense against COVID-19 infection, health care workers (HCWs) are at an increased risk of getting infected. Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures were deemed to be instrumental in protecting them and their patients against infection.<h4>Purpose</h4>To assess HCWs' knowledge of IPC measures and their perceived effectiveness in protecting against COVID-19.<h4>Methods</h4>A national web-based survey was conducted in different health care sectors ...[more]
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Project description:BackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) regarding the COVID-19 among frontline healthcare workers (F-HCWs) working at different hospitals in Nepal and to identify the factors significantly associated with KAP.MethodsWe used a web-based survey, and a convenience sampling method was adopted to collect data from 603 F-HCWs working at different hospitals in Nepal during the first week of June 2020. A self-administered questionnaire was utilized to assess the KAP perceived by the F-HCWs. It was divided into 4-parts consisting of 30-items, demographic characteristics (10-items), knowledge (10-items), attitude (5-items), and practice (5-items). It consisted of both multiple-choice questions and Likert scale items questionnaire.ResultsAmong the participants, 76% reported adequate knowledge, 54.7% reported positive attitude, and 78.9% reported appropriate practice. Statistically significant differences regarding the perceived level of knowledge among F-HCWs were observed among independent variables, including age, gender, level of education, marital status, profession, work experience, source of information, infection prevention and control (IPC) training, and online course(p < 0.05). Similarly, statistically significant differences regarding the attitude among F-HCWs were observed among independent variables, including age, gender, level of education, profession, and online course(p < 0.05). Moreover, only 2-independent variables, including the profession and online course, showed statistically significant differences with practice(p < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed a significant association between knowledge, attitude and practice at the level of p = 0.01. The factors significantly associated with adequate knowledge were male gender, nurse and doctor, websites and IPC training. Similarly, factors significantly associated with positive attitude were online course related to COVID-19 only. Moreover, factors significantly associated with appropriate practice were master's degree or above and online course related to COVID-19.ConclusionsF-HCWs reported adequate overall knowledge with a positive attitude and adopted the appropriate practice. The experienced F-HCWs with higher education and who received IPC training and online course regarding COVID-19 had better KAP. So, the stakeholders must arrange the educational programs and training for F-HCWs for better preparedness tackling with COVID-19.
| S-EPMC7734608 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundKnowledge transfer of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) involves the dissemination of created/acquired information on MERS-CoV in hospitals, making this information accessible to all healthcare workers (HCWs). This study evaluated the perceived effectiveness of MERS-CoV educational programs and knowledge transfer among primary care HCWs at a hospital in Saudi Arabia that witnessed the largest outbreak of confirmed MERS-CoV cases in this country.MethodsA survey was distributed among primary care HCWs at five clinics in Saudi Arabia in 2016. Those with non-direct patient care responsibilities were excluded. Their knowledge was evaluated against facts published by Mayo Clinic Foundation, and its percentage mean score (PMS) ± standard deviation was calculated. HCWs' perceived effectiveness of educational programs and knowledge transfer was classified as negative or positive.ResultsSample comprised of 404 HCWs, of which 64% were females and 36% were males. Almost 26% were ≤ 30 years old, and 42% had > 10 years of work experience. Almost 46.5% were nurses, 23.0% physicians, 18.1% were pharmacists, and 12.4% were technical staff. PMS for knowledge was 71.1 ± 19.4. The prevalence of negative perceptions towards educational programs was 22.5% and of knowledge transfer was 20.8%. Older(> 40 years of age) and more experienced(> 10 years) HCWs had the highest PMS for knowledge(73.4 ± 18.9,P = 0.005 and 76.9 ± 15.7,P < 0.001 respectively). Negative perceptions of educational programs (49.4 ± 20.7; P < 0.001) and knowledge transfer (46.0 ± 19.7; P = 0.001) were associated with a lower knowledge PMS. Males were 2.4[95% confidence interval 1.4-4.2] times and 2.0[1.1-3.5] times more likely to have negative perceptions of educational programs and knowledge transfer (adjusted (adj.)P = 0.001 and adj. P = 0.023, respectively). Physicians/pharmacists were 1.8[1.03-3.11] and 2.8[1.6-5.0] times more likely to have negative perceptions of both outcomes (adj. P = 0.038 and adj. P = 0.001, respectively). Less experienced HCWs were 2.1[1.3-3.5] times and 4.9[2.6-9.2] times more likely to exhibit negative perceptions of the two outcomes (adj. P < 0.001 each).ConclusionsA negative perception of the effectiveness of MERS-CoV knowledge transfer was associated with poorer knowledge and was more prevalent among male HCWs, physicians/pharmacists and less experienced HCWs. Hospitals should always refer to efficient knowledge sharing and educational strategies that render beneficial outcomes to patients, HCWs, and the public community.
| S-EPMC6427879 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveThe study aimed to investigate perceptions and determinants of the overall impact on life and work domains among a community of knowledge workers after 18 months of forced work from home due to the pandemic.MethodsA cross-sectional study with a retrospective assessment was conducted early in 2022 at the National Research Council of Italy. Five single-item questions explored the perceived impact on life domain while a 7-item scale the impact on the work domain. Bivariate analyses and multivariate regressions were used to evaluate the associations between impacts and some key factors defined by 29 ad hoc closed questions.ResultsMore than 95% of the 748 respondents reported a perceived change in at least one item of the life domain. For each of these items, although a large group of subjects has reported that working from home had no impact (from 27 to 55%), in the rest of the sample the positive evaluation (from 30 to 60%) clearly prevailed over the negative one. Overall, most of the subjects (64%) rated the impact on the work experience positively. Relationship with colleagues and participation in the work context were the items where the greatest number of negative rates was concentrated (27 and 25%, respectively). On the other hand, positive perceptions prevailed over both negative perceptions and lack of impact perceptions on the subjects of organizational flexibility and quality of work. The frequency of work-room sharing, home-work commute time and changes in sedentary lifestyle, have been identified as common explanatory factors of perceived impacts on both domains.ConclusionOverall, respondents reported positive rather than negative perceived impacts of forced work from home in both their lives and work. The obtained results suggest that policies to promote the physical and mental health of employees, strengthen inclusion and maintain a sense of community are necessary to improve workers' health and prevent the effects of perceived isolation on research activities.
| S-EPMC10036346 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundAlthough several training courses for Health Care Workers (HCWs) on COVID-19 were conducted in Yemen, no evaluation has been done to assess the effectiveness of such training on the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) of HCWs. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effectiveness of training on the KAP of HCWs toward infection prevention and control (IPC) for COVID-19, determine the relationship between the change in the KAP of HCWs, and identify the associated factors with the change in KAP.MethodologyA cross-sectional study was conducted from April to December 2021. It was conducted among 186 HCWs working at COVID-19 isolation centers and caring for COVID-19 patients, in all Yemen's governorates. The data were collected one week before and immediately after the training session. SPSS version 26 was used for data entry and analysis. The median, interquartile range (IQR) and median difference were calculated. The Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was used to estimate the significant difference between KAP pre- and post-training scores. Kurskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to assess the associated factors. Spearman's correlation coefficient test was used to assess the statistical relationship between the change in KAP. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsOut of 186 HCWs, 181 HCWs filled the pre- and post-assessment, with a response rate of 97.3%. The median difference (IQR) in the KAP scores were 3.0 (1.0 and 6.0), 1.0 (-1.0 and 4.0) and 2.0 (-1.0 and 5.0), respectively. However, there are statistical difference in the KAP scores between the pre- and post-training (p value = 0.000, 0.004 and 0.000, respectively). There are significant positive correlations between the change in knowledge, attitude and practice (all p values < 0.01). A significantly change in knowledge was found among those working in epidemiological surveillance (p value = 0.031).ConclusionsThis evaluation concludes that the training program is effective in improving the KAP of HCWs toward IPC for COVID-19. It provides scientific evidence about the importance of training courses for HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further study is recommended to evaluate the retention of the KAP after a period of training.
| S-EPMC11566734 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundDuring 2012, a total of 10 overnight visitors to Yosemite National Park (Yosemite) became infected with a hantavirus (Sin Nombre virus [SNV]); three died. SNV infections have been identified among persons with occupational exposure to deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus).MethodsWe assessed SNV infection prevalence, work and living environments, mice exposures, and SNV prevention training, knowledge, and practices among workers of two major employers at Yosemite during September-October, 2012 by voluntary blood testing and a questionnaire.ResultsOne of 526 participants had evidence of previous SNV infection. Participants reported frequently observing rodent infestations at work and home and not always following prescribed safety practices for tasks, including infestation cleanup.ConclusionAlthough participants had multiple exposures to deer mice, we did not find evidence of widespread SNV infections. Nevertheless, employees working around deer mice should receive appropriate training and consistently follow prevention policies for high-risk activities.
| S-EPMC11447818 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The ability of a health system to withstand shocks such as a pandemic depends largely on the availability and preparedness of health-care workers (HCWs), who are at the frontline of disease management and prevention. Despite the heavy burden placed on HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic, little is known regarding their experiences in low-income countries. We conducted a web-based survey with HCWs in randomly selected districts of Tanzania to explore their experiences with COVID-19-related prevention and control measures. The survey assessed implementation of COVID-19 control guidelines in health facilities, HCW perceptions of safety, well-being and ability to provide COVID-19 care, and challenges faced by frontline workers during the pandemic. We used multivariate regression analysis to examine the association between HCW and health facility characteristics, a score of guideline implementation, and challenges faced by HCWs. 6,884 Tanzanian HCWs participated in the survey between December 2021 to March 2022. The majority of respondents were aware of the COVID-19 guidelines and reported implementing preventive measures, including masking of both HCWs and patients. However, HCWs faced several challenges during the pandemic, including increased stress, concerns about infection, and inadequate personal protective equipment. In particular, female HCWs were more likely to report exhaustion from wearing protective equipment and emotional distress, while physicians were more likely to experience all challenges. While most HCWs reported feeling supported by facility management, they also reported that their concerns about COVID-19 treatment were not fully addressed. Notably, perceptions of protection and well-being varied widely among different HCW cadres, highlighting the need for targeted interventions based on level of exposure. In addition, various factors such as HCW cadre, facility ownership and COVID-19 designation status influenced HCWs' opinions about the health system's response to COVID-19. These findings highlight the importance of consistent implementation of guidelines and social and emotional support for HCWs.
| S-EPMC10697532 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundIn the context of the COVID-19 pandemic that originated from China in December 2019 and spread around the world, Kampala City witnessed a high number of infections and deaths among healthcare workers (HCWs). This study assessed the level of compliance with Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures and its associated factors among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic, in Kampala City, Uganda.MethodologyA cross-sectional study was conducted in Nakawa Division, Kampala City, among 240 HCWs and used multistage sampling in government and private not-for-profit (PNFP) healthcare facilities. The outcome variable was self-reported IPC compliance which was composed of the use of masks, gloves, and hand hygiene. These were assessed using a 4-scale tool: always as recommended, most of the time, occasionally, and rarely. Only HCWs who responded "always as recommended" were considered compliant while the rest were considered non-compliant. Data was analyzed in STATA 14.0 using Modified Poisson regression to obtain factors associated with IPC compliance at 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsForty-six (19.2%) respondents were compliant with all the three IPC measures, and this was associated with the presence of a COVID-19 patients' ward in the healthcare facility (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio, APR: 2.51, 95%CI: 1.24-5.07). Factors associated with the use of masks were being of the Muslim religion (APR: 1.31, CI: 1.05-1.65), and working in a healthcare facility that has COVID-19 patients' ward (APR: 1.29, CI: 1.06-1.59). Factors associated with the use of gloves were the age of the HCW, those above 40 years old being less complaint (APR: 0.47, CI: 0.24-0.93), working in the diagnosis department (APR: 2.08, CI: 1.17-3.70), and working in a healthcare facility that has COVID-19 patients' ward (APR: 1.73, CI: 1.13-2.64). Factors associated with hand hygiene were working in a health center (HC) IV (PR: 1.7, CI: 1.26-2.30) or a HC II (PR: 1.68, CI: 1.28-2.21).ConclusionConsidering the elevated risk of disease transmission in health settings, IPC compliance was low; indicating an increased risk of COVID-19 infection among health care workers in Kampala City.
| S-EPMC10619793 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundIn the current COVID-19 pandemic, aggressive Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures have been adopted to prevent health care-associated transmission of COVID-19. We evaluated the impact of a multimodal IPC strategy originally designed for the containment of COVID-19 on the rates of other hospital-acquired-infections (HAIs).MethodologyFrom February-August 2020, a multimodal IPC strategy was implemented across a large health care campus in Singapore, comprising improved segregation of patients with respiratory symptoms, universal masking and heightened adherence to Standard Precautions. The following rates of HAI were compared pre- and postpandemic: health care-associated respiratory-viral-infection (HA-RVI), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and CP-CRE acquisition rates, health care-facility-associated C difficile infections and device-associated HAIs.ResultsEnhanced IPC measures introduced to contain COVID-19 had the unintended positive consequence of containing HA-RVI. The cumulative incidence of HA-RVI decreased from 9.69 cases per 10,000 patient-days to 0.83 cases per 10,000 patient-days (incidence-rate-ratio = 0.08; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.05-0.13, P< .05). Hospital-wide MRSA acquisition rates declined significantly during the pandemic (incidence-rate-ratio = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.46-0.64, P< .05), together with central-line-associated-bloodstream infection rates (incidence-rate-ratio = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.07-0.57, P< .05); likely due to increased compliance with Standard Precautions. Despite the disruption caused by the pandemic, there was no increase in CP-CRE acquisition, and rates of other HAIs remained stable.ConclusionsMultimodal IPC strategies can be implemented at scale to successfully mitigate health care-associated transmission of RVIs. Good adherence to personal-protective-equipment and hand hygiene kept other HAI rates stable even during an ongoing pandemic where respiratory infections were prioritized for interventions.
| S-EPMC7610096 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionHealthcare workers (HCWs) have been continually exposed to patients with COVID-19 and are at higher risk of contracting the disease. Their psychological health is important for overall wellbeing and productivity, which could lead to a reduction in human errors during the pandemic crisis. This study aimed to measure the level of concerns, work practices, adequacy of preventive measures among HCWs, and the impacts on their life and work, including mental health status during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia.MethodsAn online questionnaire was distributed randomly to 1,050 HCWs from the Ministry of Health facilities in the Klang Valley who were involved directly in managing or screening COVID-19 cases from May to August 2020. The questionnaire was divided into five domains, which were concerns, impact on life and work, practice, perceived adequacy of preventive measures, and Revised Impact of Event Scale (IES-R). Logistic regression was used to identify sociodemographic predictors of the five domains.ResultsA total of 907 respondents (86.4%) participated in this survey. Approximately half of the respondents had a low concern (50.5%), most of them had a good practice (85.1%), with 67.5% perceiving there were adequate preventive measures, and they perceived the outbreak had a low impact (92%) on their life and work. From the IES-R domain, 18.6% of respondents potentially suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).ConclusionDuring the second wave of the COVID-19 outbreak in Malaysia, HCWs practiced high levels of precautions and preventive measures because they were aware of the risk of infection as an occupational hazard. With the adequate implementation of policy and control measures, the psychological wellbeing of the majority HCWs remained well and adequately supported.
| S-EPMC10018122 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundAlthough strategies to contain influenza pandemics are well studied, the characterization and the implications of different geographical and temporal diffusion patterns of the pandemic have been given less attention.Methodology/main findingsUsing a well-documented metapopulation model incorporating air travel between 52 major world cities, we identified potential influenza pandemic diffusion profiles and examined how the impact of interventions might be affected by this heterogeneity. Clustering methods applied to a set of pandemic simulations, characterized by seven parameters related to the conditions of emergence that were varied following Latin hypercube sampling, were used to identify six pandemic profiles exhibiting different characteristics notably in terms of global burden (from 415 to >160 million of cases) and duration (from 26 to 360 days). A multivariate sensitivity analysis showed that the transmission rate and proportion of susceptibles have a strong impact on the pandemic diffusion. The correlation between interventions and pandemic outcomes were analyzed for two specific profiles: a fast, massive pandemic and a slow building, long-lasting one. In both cases, the date of introduction for five control measures (masks, isolation, prophylactic or therapeutic use of antivirals, vaccination) correlated strongly with pandemic outcomes. Conversely, the coverage and efficacy of these interventions only moderately correlated with pandemic outcomes in the case of a massive pandemic. Pre-pandemic vaccination influenced pandemic outcomes in both profiles, while travel restriction was the only measure without any measurable effect in either.Conclusionsour study highlights: (i) the great heterogeneity in possible profiles of a future influenza pandemic; (ii) the value of being well prepared in every country since a pandemic may have heavy consequences wherever and whenever it starts; (iii) the need to quickly implement control measures and even to anticipate pandemic emergence through pre-pandemic vaccination; and (iv) the value of combining all available control measures except perhaps travel restrictions.
| S-EPMC2198944 | biostudies-literature