Practices, awareness, and perception towards home-based COVID-19 management among the general population in Mangalore city in south India

Abstract

Background: Most patients with COVID-19 experience mild illness, which can be managed in a home environment. This study was done to assess the perception, awareness, and practices regarding home-based management of COVID-19 among the general population in India. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in May and June 2021. Data were collected using a Google Form. Results: Mean age of the 294 participants was 36.6 ± 12.1 years. Of these participants, 45 (15.3%) were diagnosed with COVID-19 anytime in the past. Among them, 37 (82.2%) underwent home-based management for COVID-19. Monitoring body temperature and oxygen saturation were performed just once a day by 15.2% and 5.9% of COVID-19 patients respectively. Self-medication was practiced by 11 (29.7%) patients. Disposable face masks were worn by 23 (62.2%) patients beyond eight hours of continuous usage. The disposable type of face mask was not discarded despite becoming wet, and cloth masks were worn by eight (21.6%) patients. Disposable gloves were only worn by 14 (37.8%) caregivers of COVID-19 patients. As many as 10 (27%) patients were tested for COVID-19 after completion of home isolation. Awareness of all mild symptoms and signs of the disease was known to only 19 (6.5%) participants. Normal oxygen saturation in the blood was known to 40 (13.6%) participants. Just six (2%) participants were aware of the correct duration of home isolation in a symptomatic patient with COVID-19. The recommended duration of handwashing with soap and water was known to 102 (34.7%) participants. As many as 17.4% and 32.7% of participants were not confident in using thermometer and pulse oximeter respectively. Conclusion: Practices, awareness, and perception regarding certain essential measures in COVID-19 home management were found lacking among several participants. These need to be addressed by suitable training programs among the general population.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Physiotherapists in COVID-19 ICUs: A National Survey

“…Healthcare providers working in COVID require an introduction to the diagnosis and newer anticipated needs such as proning and positioning, maintaining vascular catheters and dialysis circuits, sedation and administering vasoactive medication, continuous positive airway pressure services, and particularly on PPE and infection control techniques [ 25 ]. Physiotherapists being an essential part of the ICU team are required to have skills in managing the needs of patients according to the symptoms, which include awareness of presuction positioning, suctioning techniques, ability to judge and increase FiO 2 , and use of maneuvers such as percussion, vibrations, and shaking [ 26 ]. Although many did not receive any training, most of them knew the PPE donning and doffing sequence (89.7%); this is in line with other studies assessing physiotherapists' knowledge about COVID-19 infection prevention control measures [ 12 , 27 ].…”