Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Health Care Professionals towards Covid-19 and Associated Factors at Public Health Facilities of Sidama Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: As the World Health Organization situation report of November 14, 2021, globally there were over 252 million confirmed cases and over 5 million deaths attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. How COVID-19 is transmitted put health care professionals (HCPs) at higher risk of contracting the disease because of their work conditions. Information regarding knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards the disease among HCPs are of higher importance to devise interventions that will tackle the pandemic.Methods: A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 29 to October 07, 2020, among randomly selected 422 health care professionals. Epi-data and SPPS software were used for entry and analysis of the data respectively. Frequencies, percentages, and charts were used to describe the KAP of HCPs towards the disease. Binary logistic regression was conducted to identify factors that are associated with the KAP of HCPs. Variables with a p-value less than 0.05 were declared as significantly associated.Results: 406 HCPs have participated in this study. Less than half (45%) HCPs had sufficient knowledge about COVID-19. HCPs aged 30 or more years, working in health centers, and HCPs that received an orientation or training regarding COVID-19 had significantly higher knowledge. About 77% HCPs had a positive attitude towards COVID-19. Educational level and knowledge about COVID-19 were significant predictors of attitude. About three-fifths (59%) of study participants had good practice towards COVID-19. Types of health facilities, work experience, and orientation or training status were significantly associated with the practice.Conclusion: This study found a low proportion of HCPs having sufficient knowledge about COVID-19. About four in ten HCPs had poor practice towards COVID-19. Training, monitoring and supervision, knowledge and skill-sharing activities should be given due emphasis to tackle the pandemic in the region.