To Study the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice about COVID-19 Pandemic among Health-care Workers in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Northern India

Abstract

Abstract Background: As the primary carers, the health-care workers (HCWs) are interacting directly with the patients and are consequently more susceptible to infection. By enhancing their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) about COVID-19, the HCWs can prevent or significantly minimize their risk of contracting it. Objective: This research was carried out to assess KAP about various aspects of the COVID-19 infection among HCWs and their association vis-à-vis different sociodemographic variables. Methodology: The study used a prospective cross-sectional design and the participants were the HCWs working in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at a tertiary care referral and academic hospital. A pretested questionnaire comprised 35 items, with 14 items about knowledge, 13 about attitude, and 8 about practices adopted by HCWs. Statistical Analysis: For the analysis, we used descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson Chi-square tests. Results: The study involved a cohort of 209 HCWs. Based on the results of descriptive statistical analysis, the participants had an average knowledge score of 9.59 with a standard deviation (SD) of 2.07. The observed scores ranged from 2.00 to 14.00. On further subgroup analysis, the mean knowledge was highest among the 19–25-year age group (mean: 9.97, minimum: 4.00, and maximum: 14.00; SD: 2.13), MBBS students (mean: 10.69, minimum: 8.00, and maximum: 14.00; SD 1.74), male participants (mean: 9.97, minimum: 5.00, and maximum: 13.00; SD: 1.62), and unmarried respondents (mean: 9.77, minimum: 2.00, and maximum: 14.00; SD 2.24). Conclusions: It is vital to evaluate the present KAP of health-care professionals regarding COVID-19 in the global fight against the pandemic. The study identified a few gaps in the KAP of HCWs.