Abstract
Background: Any public health emergency demands adequate risk communication with the vulnerable population along with their optimized perception about the impending risk to ensure proper risk management and crisis control. Hence, this study will be conducted to explore healthcare providers' perceptions regarding risks of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), as well as how they are being communicated to about the risk, and how they practice risk reduction measures. Methods: A two-phased explanatory sequential mixed-method study will be conducted among physicians and nurses from randomly selected tertiary healthcare facilities in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. In the first phase, the general pattern and quantifiable measures of risk perception, risk communication, and infection prevention practices will be assessed quantitatively. Multiple linear regression analyses will be performed to explore how much variability of risk perception is predicted by risk communication methods and contents. In the second phase, qualitative data will be collected for in-depth understanding and exploration of participants' experiences and insights regarding COVID-19 risk through interviews and document reviews. Thematic content analysis of the qualitative data will be done manually. Findings from both quantitative and qualitative phases will then be triangulated to illustrate the research objectives. Discussion: Based on the psychometric dimensions of risk perception and psycho-social theory of the health belief model, perception of COVID-19 risk among healthcare providers will be evaluated in this study. The relationship between risk perception and infection prevention and control practices among healthcare providers will also be investigated. The explanatory sequential design of this study is expected to generate hypotheses on how risk perception is being shaped in a time of uncertainty and thus, will help to build a proper risk communication strategy to minimize risk perception among healthcare providers.
Highlights
The role of health professionals is crucial during an outbreak such as in the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to maintain population health and provide assurance in retaining healthcare system order
The explanatory sequential design of this study is expected to generate hypotheses on how risk perception is being shaped in a time of uncertainty and will help to build a proper risk communication strategy to minimize risk perception among healthcare providers
During the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic in Japan, a study revealed a high level of risk perception among healthcare providers and emphasized on planning and implementing institutional measures during any health emergency[7]
Summary
1. Salim Mahmud Chowdhury, Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh. 2. Qaisar Khalid Mahmood , International Islamic University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan. Any reports and responses or comments on the article can be found at the end of the article
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