A Quantitative Evaluation of Knowledge, Perception, Awareness, and Preparedness of Long COVID Among Healthcare Professionals and Students in India

Abstract

Long COVID is a condition where people continue to have symptoms for weeks or months after they have recovered from COVID-19. The aim of our study is to assess the knowledge, perception, awareness, and preparedness of the Long COVID among healthcare professionals (HCPs) and healthcare students (HCSs). The data were collected using a self-reported questionnaire including knowledge, awareness, perception, and preparedness-related questions. A total of 429 participants responded to the survey, 85.5% were HCS and 15.4% were HCP. The results reveal that the mean knowledge score of the HCS was higher than that of the HCP and the overall knowledge of the respondents about the Long COVID was poor. The majority of participants had the same concerns about Long COVID and thought that Long COVID affects the quality of life. Half of the respondents lacked knowledge about the Long COVID information centers and support services. However, 79% of HCP and 70.5% of HCSs responded with their preparedness against Long COVID conditions and showed eagerness to learn more about the condition and support colleagues with Long COVID. It is critical for healthcare workers, students as well as public to be aware of the effects of post-COVID symptoms and support each other to attenuate the Long COVID conditions.