KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICESAMONGPRIMARY CARE WORKERS ON INFECTION, PREVENTION AND CONTROL AMIDST THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Insufficient awareness of infectious diseases among primary care workers results in delayed detection of new cases, the spread of infection, and inadequate infection control methods. Therefore, primary care workers must be well-informed about infection, prevention, and control procedures and guidelines in order to wage an effective war against COVID-19. This study seeks to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAP) of healthcare workers regarding infection, prevention, and control in the context of COVID-19 in several primary care facilities in Baguio City. Between March and April 2022, a descriptive, correlational online questionnaire-based study was conducted. Using ANOVA and Pearson r, differences in the degree of KAP among diverse subjects were evaluated. A total of 119 HCWs from primary facilities responded to the survey. Overall, respondents had general level of IPC knowledge (AWM of 3.69), had laid-back attitudes, and consistently used 9/10 indicators. Poor KAP performance was associated with inadequate training. The female employees were more knowledgeable and had a more positive attitude, but the male employees were more likely to practice appropriately on a regular basis. Notably, participants from the nursing profession exhibited a less positive attitude than those from other medical professions. Nevertheless, they had to be the best at employing appropriate techniques. The inadequacy of KAP among Primary care workers, coupled with the persistence of the pandemic, highlights the need for sustained COVID-19-specific infection control training, which should be incorporated into the annual operational planning.