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Hammad M, Fardoos S, Arif R, Ghani U, Paudel S, Vardhan K, Basani HBR, Challa S, Khan AZ, Dad Khan A. Knowledge, Attitudes, Anxiety, and Preventive Behaviors Related to COVID-19 Among Healthcare Providers: A Developing Country's Perspective. Cureus 2023; 15:e51026. [PMID: 38264392 PMCID: PMC10804925 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In early 2020, the rapid global spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presented healthcare workers (HCWs) with an unprecedented challenge. The constant influx of new information about the virus created knowledge gaps, and the relentless demands of their work schedules left many feeling overwhelmed. This paper explores the knowledge, attitudes, anxiety levels, and preventive behaviors of HCWs in the twin cities of Pakistan, Rawalpindi and Islamabad, related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the face of this crisis, it is essential to gain insights into the experiences and needs of these frontline heroes. Methodology We conducted a descriptive web-based cross-sectional study among healthcare professionals to delve into the multifaceted aspects of their experiences. This included analyzing sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge levels, attitudes, practices, and the psychological implications of the pandemic. By employing both quantitative and qualitative analysis, we aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of these parameters. Results Out of the 1150 responses collected, it became evident that breathing problems were the most recognized symptom of COVID-19 among HCWs. Impressively, 95.7% of participants believed in the primarily symptomatic nature of treatment, although 37% held the misconception that antibiotics were effective against the virus. Another noteworthy discovery was that 68.2% of HCWs favored testing before initiating treatment, yet a concerning 22.7% of treated patients received no testing. A significant proportion, approximately 19.6%, experienced heightened anxiety levels during the pandemic, leading to an increased frequency of handwashing. In terms of preventive behaviors, a majority of respondents displayed a heightened sense of caution. Nearly 59.1% reported avoiding the use of others' accessories and emphasized not reusing face masks. Furthermore, 84.1% of participants preferred staying at home during quarantine. Conclusion The study reveals the profound impact of COVID-19 on healthcare providers in Pakistan's twin cities, highlighting elevated anxiety levels among most. This underscores the urgent need for mental health support. Beyond physical effects, the pandemic significantly strains their psychological well-being. To address this stress, vital strategies include workload reduction, structured shifts, stressor minimization, and improved knowledge sharing. Cultivating a healthy work environment is equally crucial for healthcare providers' overall well-being. These insights are essential for crafting policies and interventions to better protect and support frontline workers in a developing nation like Pakistan, demonstrating healthcare professionals' resilience and dedication amid unprecedented challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Hammad
- Pharmacy, Shifa College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shifa Tameer-E-Millat University, Islamabad, PAK
- Pharmacy, Shifa College of Medicine, Shifa Tameer-E-Millat University, Islamabad, PAK
- Healthcare Management, School of Business and Management, Riphah International University, Islamabad, PAK
| | - Sadaf Fardoos
- Pharmacy, Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Islamabad, PAK
| | - Rasikh Arif
- Research Department, Al-Shifa Research Centre, Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi, PAK
| | - Usman Ghani
- Clinical Research, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, PAK
| | - Shailes Paudel
- Intensive Care Unit, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Lalitpur, NPL
| | - Krishna Vardhan
- General Medicine, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry, IND
| | - Hima Bindu Reddy Basani
- Graduate Medical Education, Lyceum Northwestern University, Dagupan City, PHL
- School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Centre, Houston, USA
| | | | - Ali Zeb Khan
- Research Department, Al-Shifa Research Centre, Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi, PAK
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