Abstract
BackgroundRisk perception, positive emotions, and preparedness are important parameters in predicting pandemic protective behaviors. Though, health care providers are required with sufficient knowledge, skills, preparedness and best practices towards corona virus 2019, there are limited studies in Ethiopia. AimThis study aimed to assess health care providers’ level of risk perception, preparedness and its associated factors among HCWs in North Central Ethiopia, 2020. MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 217 health care providers working in South Gondar zone Hospitals from May 15–30, 2020. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Data were coded, entered, cleaned and checked using Epi data statistical software version 4.2.0.0 and taken in STATA Version 14 statistical software for analysis. Binary logistic regression was used for the analysis. Odds ratio along with 95% CI were estimated to measure the strength of the association. Descriptive statistics are presented in figures, text, and tables. Findings and conclusionThe level of high risk perception among frontline health care workers was 57.6% (95% CI: 56.9, 58.3). Almost half, 49.8% health care providers were prepared for corona virus pandemic and only 43.78% of health care providers had good knowledge regarding COVID -19. Having good knowledge (Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR) = 2.83; 95% CI: 1.49, 5.34), training on COVID -19 (AOR = 2.16; 95% CI:1.07, 4.39), and avoiding meeting suspected/confirmed of COVID -19 (AOR = 2.67; 95% CI:1.05, 6.83) were significantly associated with risk perception. Risk perception, knowledge and preparedness for corona virus pandemic were low. Ensuring the improvement of knowledge, preparedness, and encouragement is important.
Highlights
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a new disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS–CO–V-2), which was first reported in Wuhan, Hubei province, China in December 2019 [1,2]
An institution based cross sectional study was employed in north central Ethiopia, may 14–30/2020
Knowledge, training on COVID 19 and avoiding meeting with suspected/confirmed COVID 19 client was significantly associated with risk perception
Summary
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a new disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS–CO–V-2), which was first reported in Wuhan, Hubei province, China in December 2019 [1,2]. HCWs have to work harder for longer hours; they often do so in a context where the knowledge and understanding of the novel pathogen is still suboptimal [6] They faced different challenges, such as risk of getting infected of COVID 19, transmitted to other patients, families and friends [7], fear,anxiety, stress, depression, emotion due to the pandemicity of COVID 19 [8, 9, 10]. Aim: This study aimed to assess health care providers’ level of risk perception, preparedness and its associated factors among HCWs in North Central Ethiopia, 2020. Ensuring the improvement of knowledge, preparedness, and encouragement is important
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