Exploring the knowledge, attitude, and practice of health-care professionals on coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic infection

Psychosocial comorbidities of diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran

BACKGROUND

The psychosocial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are mainly focused on the general population, while pandemics do not impact the mental health of the entire population uniformly, especially vulnerable populations with underlying health conditions. This study aimed to investigate diabetes psychosocial comorbidities among Iranians with type 1 diabetes (T1D) during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate diabetes psychosocial comorbidities among Iranians with type 1 diabetes (T1D) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of 212 adults with T1D in different cities in Iran. Study participants completed an online survey in April-June 2020. The survey collected self-reported data on diabetes psychosocial comorbidities (i.e. diabetes burnout, diabetes distress, and depressive symptoms). Demographic and COVID-19 data before and during the pandemic were also collected. Responses were analyzed using ordinary least squares and logistic regression methods.

RESULTS

Around 17.5% reported being tested for COVID-19 virus, 8% were diagnosed positive, 10.8% were hospitalized, and 92.9% followed precaution recommendations during the pandemic. Participants had high levels of diabetes distress (57.1%), depressive symptoms (60.8%), and diabetes burnout (mean score = 3.1 out of 5). During the pandemic, trouble paying for the very basic needs was a consistent factor increasing the risk of diabetes distress, diabetes burnout, and depressive symptoms. Lack of access to diabetes care was only associated with diabetes burnout, while diabetes hospitalization/emergency department (ED) visit was associated with diabetes distress. Existing diabetes disparities before the pandemic were also associated with higher scores of diabetes psychosocial comorbidities [accessing diabetes supplies and medications (P < 0.0001) and places for physical exercise (P < 0.0333)].

CONCLUSION

The negative impact of the COVID-19-related changes on individuals with diabetes, as one of the most vulnerable populations, must be recognized alongside the physical, financial, and societal impact on all those affected. Psychological interventions should be implemented urgently in Iran, especially for those with such characteristics.

The experience of Saudi respiratory therapists dealing with COVID-19 patients: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Healthcare professionals have fought hard to restrain the COVID-19 pandemic by providing high-quality care for their infected patients, but in doing so they have developed fears of becoming sick and feelings of isolation and loneliness. The lived experience of respiratory therapists (RTs) in Saudi Arabia who works with these infected patients needs further investigation. The study sought to describe the experiences and coping strategies of Saudi RT managing patients with COVID-19.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study utilized qualitative research methods, specifically employing a phenomenological research design. A total of 25 Saudi RT (RTs) who were in direct contact with COVID-19 patients were selected after they agreed to participate in this study. The study followed a one-on-one semi-structured interview process using the Zoom platform. This qualitative data collection technique focuses on the participants' lived experiences and feelings to discover shared patterns. The data were analyzed via an inductive approach.

RESULTS

Six themes were found in the RT perceptions including stress while treating COVID patients, managing the fear of catching of Covid 19, feelings towards COVID-19 patients, challenges faced by female RTs, workplace experiences, and excessive workload.

CONCLUSIONS

RTs feelings dramatically changed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. All the RTs have developed a self-copying style that has helped them improve their psychosocial behavior to face the pandemic. During the outbreak, frontline RTs' positive and negative emotions intertwined and coexisted. Negative emotions predominated in the beginning, while good feelings emerged gradually. Self-coping methods and psychosocial development were significant factors in RTs mental health while caring for COVID-19 patients.

Factors associated with knowledge of health care workers toward COVID-19 in health facilities West Guji zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2020

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus pandemic puts healthcare workers (HCWs) at high risk and challenges the abilities of healthcare systems to respond to the crisis. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge of HCWs and associated factors in West Guji zone public health facilities in southern Ethiopia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A health facility-based quantitative cross-sectional study was undertaken from June 10 to July 10, 2020. Two hundred and eighty-three HCWs were involved in the study using a systematic sampling method. The instrument was pretested on 5% of the sample in Yabello Hospital. Data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

The HCW who had good knowledge was 84.7%. HCWs who had degree holders, masters and above holders, work experience of 2-4 years, and >4 years of experiences, had training on Coronavirus, and medical diseases were significantly associated with good knowledge of Coronavirus.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicated that HCWs' knowledge about the Coronavirus was good. Improving the educational status of HCWs and giving updated training on the Coronavirus will improve HCW's knowledge of the Coronavirus.

Psychosocial perception of health-care workers in a COVID-19-designated hospital in eastern India

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 pandemic has changed the life of people in many facets, economic, social, and psychological. Frontline health-care workers (HCWs) fighting against this pandemic faced some psychological as well as social issues which are of major concern. The objective of the study is to evaluate the magnitude of mental health problems, namely depression, anxiety, and stress among frontline HCWs as well as their perception on ongoing events and surroundings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

It was a prospective, observational study on n = 85 HCWs over a 4-month period. Study participants were sampled purposively in accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria; data were collected by online survey method. A semi-structured scale was used: Part A of which assessed the demography and perception of HCWs on surrounding along with ongoing social events and Part B consisted of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 that was used to assess mental health issues. All the associations were tested in percentages and proportions. Statistics was calculated by using SPSS 24^th version.

RESULTS

Majority of the participants were female doctors and belonged to 21-30 years' age group. Most of them were marginally worried of contacting infection (73%) but were substantially apprehensive of transmitting infection to their family (56.5%) and hoped positive outcome ultimately in the form of recovery from infection. Majority (96.4%) gathered information from authentic sources and were confident of adequacy of their knowledge. Majority (88.3%) were satisfied about their occupational safety and responded on scientific solution of pandemic. However, we got a mixed result about their professional appreciation. Depression symptom score was higher than anxiety and stress symptom score in our participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Doctors and nurses both were suffering from mental health issues, and provision of adequate information and occupational safety may lessen these burdens.

Factors associated with knowledge, attitudes and preventive practices towards COVID-19 in health care professionals in Lima, Peru

Background: Nowadays, we are facing a disease caused by SARS-CoV- 2, known globally as COVID-19, which is considered a threat to global health due to its high contagiousness and rapid spread. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study in 302 health professionals. An online questionnaire consisting of questions about knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) towards COVID-19 was applied. Socio- demographic, occupational and comorbidities factors were explored. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with KAP. Results: Of the total, 25.2%, 31.5% and 37.4% had high levels of knowledge, preventive practices and risk perception attitudes respectively. Being married aOR=6.75 CI(1.46-31.2) p=0.014, having a master's degree aOR=0.4, CI(0.21-0.80) p=0.009, having a working day with less than ten hours ORa=0.49 CI(0.25-0.95) p=0.036 and obesity aOR=0.38 CI (0.15-0.95) p=0.039 were associated with a low level of knowledge of COVID-19. The variables associated with preventive practices were being over the age of 50 aOR=0.52 CI(0.27-0.98) p=0.007, working in the hospitalization area aOR=1.86 CI(1.08-3.18) p= 0.018 and having comorbidities such as arterial hypertension aOR=0.28 CI(0.081-0.99) p=0.02 and obesity aOR=0.35 CI(0.14-0.83) p=0.019. In relation to negative attitudes towards COVID-19, it was found that physical contact with patients with a confirmed diagnosis aOR=1.84 CI (1.14-2.97) p=0.006 and having asthma aOR=2.13 CI(1.081-4.22) p=0.029 were associated with these attitudes. Conclusion: Our study revealed that health professionals have an insufficient level of knowledge of COVID-19. This is why we recommend implementing strategies such as health literacy programs among health care workers. Thus, they can help develop positive.

Factors associated with knowledge, attitudes and preventive practices towards COVID-19 in health care professionals in Lima, Peru

Background: Nowadays, we are facing a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, known globally as COVID-19, which is considered a threat to global health due to its high contagiousness and rapid spread. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study in 302 health professionals. An online questionnaire consisting of questions about knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) towards COVID-19 was applied. Socio-demographic, occupational and comorbidities factors were explored. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with KAP. Results: Of the total, 25.2%, 31.5% and 37.4% had high levels of knowledge, preventive practices and risk perception attitudes respectively. Being married (aOR=6.75), having a master's degree (aOR= 0.41), having a working day with less than ten hours (ORa=0.49) and obesity (aOR=0.38) were associated with a low level of knowledge of COVID-19. The variables associated with preventive practices were being over the age of 50 (aOR=0.52), working in the hospitalization area (aOR=1.86) and having comorbidities such as arterial hypertension (aOR=0.28) and obesity (aOR=0.35). In relation to negative attitudes towards COVID 19, it was found that physical contact with patients with a confirmed diagnosis (aOR=1.84) and having asthma (aOR=2.13) were associated with these attitudes. Conclusion: Being married, having a master's degree, working less than ten hours were associated with having a low level of knowledge of COVID-19. Being older than 50, working in the hospitalization area were associated with preventive practices. Physical contact with COVID-19 patients was associated with negative attitudes.

Factors associated with knowledge, attitudes and preventive practices towards COVID-19 in health care professionals in Lima, Peru

Background: Nowadays, we are facing a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, known globally as COVID-19, which is considered a threat to global health due to its high contagiousness and rapid spread. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study in 302 health professionals. An online questionnaire consisting of questions about knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) towards COVID-19 was applied. Socio-demographic, occupational and comorbidities factors were explored. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with KAP. Results: Of the total, 25.2%, 31.5% and 37.4% had high levels of knowledge, preventive practices and risk perception attitudes respectively. Being married aOR=6.75 IC(1.46-31.2) p=0.014, having a master's degree aOR=0.4, IC(0.21-0.80) p=0.009, having a working day with less than ten hours ORa=0.49 IC(0.25-0.95) p=0.036 and obesity aOR=0.38 IC (0.15-0.95) p=0.039 were associated with a low level of knowledge of COVID-19. The variables associated with preventive practices were being over the age of 50 aOR=0.52 IC(0.27-0.98) p=0.007, working in the hospitalization area aOR=1.86 IC(1.08-3.18) p= 0.018 and having comorbidities such as arterial hypertension aOR=0.28 IC(0.081-0.99) p=0.02 and obesity aOR=0.35 IC(0.14-0.83) p=0.019. In relation to negative attitudes towards COVID-19, it was found that physical contact with patients with a confirmed diagnosis aOR=1.84 IC (1.14-2.97) p=0.006 and having asthma aOR=2.13 IC(1.081-4.22) p=0.029 were associated with these attitudes. Conclusion: Our study revealed that health professionals have an insufficient level of knowledge of COVID-19. This is why we recommend implementing strategies such as health literacy programs among health care workers. Thus, they can help develop positive attitudes towards the acquisition of self-care habits at work that, in turn, improve their confidence so that health care workers can provide adequate care for their patients and protect themselves.