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Healthcare workers' knowledge and attitudes towards COVID-19 prevention and control in Tigray, Ethiopia, 2020
Abstract
Introduction: Globally, healthcare workers (HCWs) are at the frontline of Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic prevention and response measures. However, fear and hesitation, knowledge gaps, and lack of positive attitude among healthcare workers can compromise COVID-19 prevention and control measures. This study assessed the knowledge and attitudes of HCWs towards COVID-19 prevention and control in the Tigray region, Ethiopia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. A total of 475 HCWs were recruited using a systematic random sampling method from twelve health facilities in the Tigray region. A pre-tested structured and interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge and attitudes on COVID-19 measured using 19 and 12 question items, respectively.
Results: The median age of the study participants was 30 years (IQR= 27-35). Out of the 475 study subjects, 244 (51.4%) of the respondents had adequate knowledge of COVID-19 prevention and control and more than half (58%) had a positive attitude. Results indicated that HCWs working in health centers had 2.8 times higher odds of inadequate knowledge (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR], 95% Confidence interval: 1.34- 5.95) when compared to those who were working in tertiary hospitals. Similarly, females, nurses and midwives, and pharmacists had significantly higher odds of having poor knowledge. Moreover, females had higher odds of negative attitudes.
Conclusion: A high proportion of the HCWs had inadequate knowledge and negative attitudes on COVID-19 prevention and control measures, this was statistically significantly higher among female health workers.
