Knowledge and Perception of Health Care Workers Regarding COVID-19 in Different Parts of Gujarat State

Abstract

Introduction: The World Health Organization declared the 2019–20 coronavirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 30 January 2020 and a pandemic on 11 March 2020. A poor understanding of the disease among healthcare workers may implicate in delayed treatment and the rapid spread of infection. Objective: To know the perception and knowledge of the health care workers in different districts of Gujarat state about the COVID 19. Method: A cross sectional web based survey was conducted among the 104 health care workers working in different districts of Gujarat during the month of April 2020. WhatsApp and Telegram based questionnaire was sent to each participant and their response was recorded. Data was entered in Microsoft Excel 2016 and was analysed by applying various statistical test using SPSS version 25. Results: Out of 104 participants, 46.15% and 53.85% were male and female respectively. Mean age of participants was 26.40 years. Majority participants were from Saurashtra-Kutch(36.54%) followed by central Gujarat(28.85%) and north Gujarat(23.08%). Out of 63 who had received training of basic course in COVID-19, only 27 were able to give correct answer about criteria for discharge of patient. Conclusion: HCWs in our study are having good knowledge regarding COVID 19. They are aware of the measures needed to be taken to reduce the spread of the disease. HCWs were using authentic sources for information; this ultimately affects knowledge and is reflected in attitude and practice.