Assessment of Health‑Care Workers’ Knowledge Regarding COVID‑19 in Selected Local Government Areas in Cross River State

Abstract

Background: Health‑care workers are at the frontline of COVID‑19 pandemic response with an increased risk of infection compared to the general population with a significant number losing their lives. It is therefore crucial that HCWs have adequate knowledge about all aspects of the disease to protect themselves and reduce transmission of COVID‑19 in populations they serve. Aim: The aim is to determine the level of knowledge of health‑care workers (HCWs) regarding COVID‑19 in selected local government areas (LGAs) in Cross River State. Materials and Methods: A cross‑sectional descriptive study involving a pre‑ and post‑test evaluation was carried out among 47 HCWs in five selected LGAs in Cross River State. A 1‑day nonresidential training aimed at improving the knowledge of COVID‑19 among HCWs was organized by the Efik Young professionals in collaboration with the State Primary Health Care Development Agency. Data were summarized using proportions and paired t‑test to explore associations between quantitative variables. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. A score of 70 and above represented adequate knowledge. Results: The mean age of participants in the workshop was 36.9 ± 7.23 years. The majority of the respondents were female 38 (80.9%) and health facility heads 20 (42.6%). Before the training, less than a fifth (16.2%) demonstrated adequate knowledge regarding COVID‑19 infection. Post-test analysis revealed a marked improvement (83.8%) in the knowledge acquired and this was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Although the training workshop was useful in improving the knowledge of HCWs regarding COVID‑19, it is important that these trainings are done periodically to update the HCWs with adequate information particularly frontline HCWs serving in rural areas.