COVID-19 Knowledge, Perception, Preventive Measures, Stigma, and Mental Health Among Healthcare Workers in Three Sub-Saharan African Countries: A Phone Survey.

Nega Assefa,Abdramane Soura,Dongqing Wang,Till Baernighausen,Ayoade Oduola,Ali Sie,Angela Chukwu,Elena C Hemler,Firehiwot Workneh,Yemane Berhane,Wafaie W Fawzi,Michelle L Korte,Ourohiré Millogo,Yasir Y Abdullahi,Bruno Lankoande

doi:10.4269/ajtmh.20-1621

Abstract

ABSTRACT.The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an unprecedented public health crisis globally. Understanding healthcare providers’ (HCPs’) knowledge and perceptions of COVID-19 is crucial to identifying effective strategies to improve their ability to respond to the pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa. A phone-based survey of 900 HCPs in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and Nigeria (300 per country) was conducted to assess knowledge, perceptions, COVID-19 prevention measures, stigma, and mental health of HCPs. Modified Poisson regression models were used to evaluate predictors of knowledge, perceptions, and prevention measures; adjusted risk ratios (ARRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Three-fourths of the HCPs had adequate knowledge, and over half had correct perceptions of risk and high levels of self-reported prevention measures. The majority of the HCPs (73.7%) reported self-perceived social stigma. There was relatively low prevalence of depression (6.6%), anxiety (6.6%), or psychological distress (18%). Compared with doctors, being a nurse was associated with lower levels of knowledge (ARR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.77–0.90) and was also negatively associated with having correct perceptions toward COVID-19 (AOR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.73–0.92). HCPs treating COVID-19 patients had higher likelihood of having high levels of prevention measures (AOR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.23–1.53). Despite high levels of knowledge among HCPs in sub-Saharan Africa, there is a need to improve COVID-19 perceptions and compliance with prevention measures as well as address social stigma toward HCPs to better ensure their safety and prepare them to deliver health services.

Highlights

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an unmatched crisis and challenge for all nations.[1]
Factors associated with adequate knowledge, correct perceptions, and high level of prevention measures were identified by running modified Poisson regression models
We found that about three-fourths of healthcare providers’ (HCPs) had an adequate level of knowledge, and more than half had correct perceptions and high levels of prevention measures related to COVID-19

Summary

INTRODUCTION

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an unmatched crisis and challenge for all nations.[1]. Even though COVID-19 has offered some opportunities for HCPs to learn new skills, improve teamwork and team spirit, and increase handwashing and other preventive practices, it has resulted in societal stigma and discrimination.[18]. Despite their well-deserved rewards, there are numerous reports of social stigma and isolation toward HCPs.[19] There have been reports that HCPs practicing in informal settlements had trouble providing health services due to fear and stigmatization after COVID-19 exposure.[20] the psychological effects[18] of the pandemic and mental health risks among HCPs are important issues to address.[19]. Using a novel mobile survey platform, this study aimed to explore the knowledge, perceptions, and preventive practices of HCPs toward COVID-19 prevention and management across three sub-Saharan African countries

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RESULTS

DISCUSSION