Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding COVID-19 for health-care providers in Arab countries

Abstract

Context: The impact of COVID-19 on the Arab world has been particularly striking. Less well known are the knowledge, feelings, and behaviors of health care providers (HCPs) regarding COVID-19 in these countries, which has significant influence on the quality, timing, and effectiveness of the health-care response. Aims: We evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding COVID-19 for health-care providers in five Arab countries. Settings and Design: Using a descriptive, cross-sectional approach, knowledge concerning COVID-19 was assessed in health-care providers in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Sudan, Egypt, and Jordan. Materials and Methods: Five hundred and one participants answered nine validated questions, and a cumulative knowledge score was tabulated for each participating HCP. Attitudes about COVID-19 were assessed with ten questions with categorical response choices “true,” “false,” and “no opinion” and were rated with cumulative scores on a scale of “strongly negative” to “strongly positive.” Clinical practices regarding COVID-19 were assessed with eight questions, with ratings of “weak,” “moderate,” and “strong” patterns of practice for COVID-19 screening and treatment. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS software program version 26 was used for statistical analysis. Chi-square was used to study the relationship between different variables. The statistical significance level was set at P < 0.05. Results: The vast majority of respondents knew the transmission method of COVID-19, its primary symptoms, and the recommended isolation period; however, most did not know the distance recommended by the World Health Organization for physical distancing, and over a third believed that wearing multiple masks provided additional protection against viral exposure. Country of residence was predictive of COVID-19 attitudes and practices. Conclusions: Health-care providers have “fair” knowledge about COVID-19, but they are still in need for further orientation, in line with international standards for protection against COVID-19. Several demographic factors can predict attitudes and practices regarding COVID-19, which may have implications for treatment outcomes.