Abstract
BackgroundHealthcare professionals represent a vulnerable group in terms of responding to COVID-19. Knowledge can influence healthcare professionals through adoption of the correct attitudes and practices. The aim of this study was to evaluate, by a questionnaire, the perceptions of physicians about their level of knowledge as well as conditions in their workplaces for dealing with COVID-19.MethodsA cross-sectional study of Angolan physicians took place from 11 May to 23 June 2020. A questionnaire was electronically shared across social media and via email.ResultsThe sample consisted of 637 valid questionnaires; 53% of respondents were female, 41% were aged 31–40 y and 79% were from Luanda province. About 51% of physicians perceived that they had adequate knowledge about COVID-19 and 64% used personal protective equipment. These figures were higher among specialists from the province of Luanda. About 81% stated that their health units lacked the technical capacity to diagnose COVID-19. Only 35% of health units have chest tomography equipment; 44% are prepared for the care and/or isolation of patients. Only 33% of units are running intensive care units. The main concerns of physicians were training opportunities and limited access to personal protective equipment.ConclusionThe results show that it is necessary to strengthen physicians’ knowledge about COVID-19, as well as to improve the conditions of the health units, so as to promote safe practices.
Highlights
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious, highly contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).[1,2] SARS-CoV-2 was first identified in humans in December 2019 in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province in China.[1]
The study took place after the emergence of the first imported cases of COVID-19 in the country, between the 7th and 12th weeks of the pandemic, and it identifies how most physicians perceive that they have adequate knowledge about COVID-19 and the use of protective equipment (PPE), especially among those working in Luanda
The current study reports the perceptions that Angolan physicians have regarding their knowledge related to COVID-19 and the preparation of their workplaces to care for patients with COVID-19
Summary
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious, highly contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).[1,2] SARS-CoV-2 was first identified in humans in December 2019 in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province in China.[1]. Health systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face major challenges in dealing with COVID-19 due to the high pre-existing vulnerability of their health infrastructures and limited numbers of trained healthcare professionals, combined with the diversion of essential medical resources to provide care and management of suspected and sick cases.[4,5]. While hospitals remain under great pressure during this pandemic, it is essential to take immediate measures to contain and mitigate the progression of the disease. These measures aim to identify and isolate early cases, reduce the number of patients at the hospital level, overcome communication and education barriers, as well as to protect patients and healthcare professionals.[6,7]. The aim of this study was to evaluate, by a questionnaire, the perceptions of physicians about their level of knowledge as well as conditions in their workplaces for dealing with COVID-19
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