Awareness and Preparedness for the Ongoing Community Spread of Coronavirus Infections Among Healthcare Workers in a Nigerian Private Tertiary Facility

Abstract

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of contracting and spreading the novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease putting themselves, the patients and the community at large at risk. Therefore, there is a need for adequate preparedness in the face of this pandemic.

Objectives: To assess the knowledge of HCW (clinical and non-clinical) on COVID-19, determine the level of HCWs preparedness against COVID-19 and evaluate the level of preparedness of the hospital facility against COVID-19.

Methods: Purposive sampling technique was used in this cross-sectional study. A self-administered questionnaire adapted from a validated questionnaire was used to collect appropriate data on socio-demographics, knowledge about COVID 19 and preparedness.

Results: A total of 170 HCWs with a mean age of 34.7±6.9 years participated in this study. More than half (56.5%; 96/170) were females. The average knowledge score among clinical staff was 9.04±13.77, with 80 clinical staff having good knowledge of COVID-19. The majority of non-clinical staff had a fair knowledge of COVID-19 with an average knowledge score of 5.11±47.07. About 63.4% were not confident enough in caring for a suspected coronavirus case even though more than half (57.6%) have had formal training in Infection Prevention and Control and above 77% (131/170) confirmed the availability of PPE in their facility. However, about three-quarters (74.7%; 127/170) believed the hospital is well prepared to manage COVID-19 cases.

Conclusion: This study revealed that this cohort of HCWs have good knowledge of COVID-19 and are convinced that they and their facility are well prepared for outbreaks of COVID-19.