Risk perception and precautionary health behavior toward COVID-19 among health professionals working in selected public university hospitals in Ethiopia.

Shimelis Girma,Yonas Tesfaye,Girma Beressa,Liyew Agenagnew,Arefayne Alenko,Holly Seale

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0241101

Shimelis Girma, Yonas Tesfaye + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0241101

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Journal: PloS one	Publication Date: Oct 29, 2020
Citations: 24	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Jimma University, Madda Walabu University

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study was designed to determine risk perception and precautionary health behavior toward coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among health professionals working in selected public university hospitals of Ethiopia.MethodsA web-based cross-sectional survey was used with health professionals working in selected public university hospitals of Ethiopia. A structured survey questionnaire consisted of socio-demographic, risk perception, and behavioral response items were used. The survey questions were designed on Google form. All academic and clinical staff invited to participate in the online survey, which was carried out from May 1–14, 2020. Data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 24. Descriptive statistics computed and the result is presented by tables and figures.ResultsA total of 273 health professionals participated in this study. The mean (± SD) age of participants was 31.03 ± 5.11. Study participants’ overall mean score of perceived risk was 23.59 ± 4.75. The study participants’ mean score of perceived vulnerability (4.01 ± 1.17) was higher than the human immunodeficiency virus, common cold, malaria, and tuberculosis. Regarding precautionary health behavior, the lowest mean score is for wearing gloves 1.82 ± 1.15.ConclusionParticipants mean score of perceived vulnerability of coronavirus disease was higher than some of the prevalent infectious disease in the area. Almost all participants applied recommended protective measures to the acceptable level, except for wearing mask and gloves. Therefore, there is a need to further intensification of more effective ways to support health professionals’ adherence to major precautionary measure is important.

Highlights

The recently emerging novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19, is causing massive death, threatens the wellbeing of the global society, and causing large economic loss since it is declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) [1]
A total of 273 health professionals participated in this study
The lowest mean score is for wearing gloves 1.82 ± 1.15

Summary

Introduction

The recently emerging novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19, is causing massive death, threatens the wellbeing of the global society, and causing large economic loss since it is declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) [1]. Especially those whose jobs allow more contact with patients infected with COVID-19, are at risk of adverse health consequences [4, 5]. They are working with inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE), and many have died and thousands have tested positive [6]. A significant number of health care workers have inadequate knowledge and poor perceptions of COVID-19. This is evidenced by a cross-sectional, web-based study among HCWs about COVID-19 during the first week of March 2020. A significant number of HCWs (22%) showed negative perceptions of COVID-19 [9]

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Discussion

Conclusion