VARIATION IN ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES AMONG HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS IN COVID 19 PANDEMIC: ARE THE LACK OF KNOWLEDGE AND DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES UNDERLYING DETERMINANTS

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
 To measure the impact of knowledge and demographic variables on attitude and practices among healthcare workers regarding Covid-19 in Punjab-Pakistan
 STUDY DESIGN
 A cross-sectional survey using electronic distribution of questionnaire.
 SETTING AND DURATION OF STUDY
 The study was conducted through online survey in Punjab province from 11.7.2020-20.7.20
 SUBJECTS AND METHODS
 Through snowball sampling technique, a sample of 350 healthcare workers was taken from all over the Punjab after taking consent. Demographic information was collected on demographic sheet. Survey questionnaire contained 29 items to assess knowledge, attitude and practices concerning the epidemic. The collected data was analyzed in SPSS version 20.
 RESULTS
 Results showed that most of the participants (64.8%) fall in the category of minimal knowledge, mean scores on fearful attitude measure was 2.72 with standard deviation 1.36.Around 52.9% healthcare workers have poor practices while 47.1% in good practices category. Positive correlation between knowledge and practices was found significant (p<0.05). Results of regression analysis demonstrated that knowledge influences practices significantly (β= .12, p< .001), i.e. it gives positive correlation among healthcare workers :F (1, 348) = 5.01. Moreover, these was significant difference in knowledge scores for six profession groups: F (5, 344) = 73.91.
 CONCLUSION
 The study concluded that most of the healthcare workers have minimal knowledge of covid-19, however their attitudes and practices vary from each other. The knowledge of healthcare staff highly affects their practices regarding pandemic. Moreover, profession influence the level of knowledge. However the place of residence is not statistically significantly associated with practices and knowledge. The findings can help to draw interventions for enhancing positive practices among healthcare workers.