Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and perception of health care workers regarding COVID-19, a cross-sectional study from Egypt

Dublin Core

Title

Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and perception of health care workers regarding COVID-19, a cross-sectional study from Egypt

Author

Wahed, Wafaa Yousif Abdel
Hefzy, Enas Mamdouh
Ahmed, Mona Ibrahim
Hamed, Nashwa Sayed

Language

English

Publication Date

20201200

Abstract

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at the frontline defense against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Inadequate knowledge and incorrect attitudes among HCWs can directly influence practices and lead to delayed diagnosis, poor infection control practice, and spread of disease. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perception, and attitude of the Egyptian HCWs towards the COVID-19 disease. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Egypt, among 407 HCWs using a self-administered questionnaire. The mean correct answer rate was 80.4% with a mean knowledge score of 18.5 ± 2.7 out of 24. A positive correlation between knowledge and attitude scores was detected (r = 0.215, p < 0.001). About 83.1% of our participants reported that they were afraid of being infected with COVID-19, and 89.2% stated that they were more susceptible to COVID-19 infection as compared to others. Unavailability of personal protective equipment (PPE), fear of transmitting the disease to their families, and social stigma were the most frequently reported reasons for increased risk perception. The overall knowledge level of HCWs was generally good especially among physicians. A positive attitude was detected among allied health professionals more than physicians. Risk perception was high among HCWs. Causes of increased risk perception need to considered by the government and the Egyptian Ministry of Health.

Primary Classification

9.1

Secondary Classification

9.1; 21.1

Primary keywords

attitudes [pri]; communicable diseases [pri]; health personnel [pri]; knowledge [pri]; viruses [pri]

Secondary keywords

allied health personnel; education; hospitals; nurses; occupational exposure; patient care; physicians; questionnaire; risk

Subject

Egypt

Subject

COVID-19; pandemic; personal protective equipment (PPE); social media

Journal Article

Journal of Community Health. 2020 December; 45(6): 1242-1251

Note

Copyright © 2020, Springer Science Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature. This article is made available via the PMC Open Access Subset for unrestricted research re-use and secondary analysis in any form or by any means with acknowledgement of the original source. These permissions are granted for the duration of the World Health Organization (WHO) declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic.

Primary Document Type

j

Subject Captions

e

Bibliography

37 refs.

ISSN

00945145 (print); 15733610 (online)

Collection

Citation

“Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and perception of health care workers regarding COVID-19, a cross-sectional study from Egypt,” Islamic Medical & Scientific Ethics, accessed January 15, 2025, https://imse.ibp.georgetown.domains/items/show/38300.