Knowledge about Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) among health-care workers working at a Secondary Care Hospital.

Abstract

Objectives: COVID-19 ‘Corona Virus Disease-2019’ was declared Public Health Emergency. The objective was to assess knowledge of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) among health care workers. Study Design: Cross Sectional Observational study. Setting: Naz Memorial Hospital. Period: 13^th to 21^st March 2020. Material & Methods: This study using consecutive sampling technique was done among health care workers including doctors and other health care workers (HCW). After ethical approval from the IRB, data collection was done. Questionnaire was made for assessing knowledge. For data entering, SPSS version 23.0 was used. The responses were reported and expressed as frequency and percentages. Results: 60 doctors, 90 nurses and other health care workers, all doctors and 87 % HCW regarded COVID-19 as problem for all communities. 90 % doctors, 80 % HCW felt work performance being affected. All study participants agreed COVID-19 affected their social and psychological life. 30 % doctors and 80 % HCW regarded all coronavirus patients experience fever, dry cough, tiredness and difficulty in breathing. Almost all participants regarded coronavirus could spread from human-to-human contact; mortality related to co-morbid and age extremes. No participant knew how to handle COVID-19 patient due to unavailability of guidelines. Conclusion: Most doctors were aware of the knowledge regarding novel COVID-19, however some health care workers were not fully aware of consequences and effects of coronavirus. Being the first in line of duty to manage COVID-19 patients it is vital to provide guideline in addition to safety measures for ensuring proper treatment and limit spread of disease.