Public friendliness towards Frontline Healthcare workers in Kolkata, India: Preparedness towards a future pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: A new wave of COVID-19 infection has hit China of late and India due to her geographical proximity is at risk. More than 700 doctors in India have died on the frontline during COVID-19. Despite their sacrifices and service, discretionary behaviour by the public have been frequently reported. Objective: To assess the attitude and perception towards frontline Health Care Workers (HCW’s) among residents of a selected zone of Kolkata (India). Method: An observational study of cross-sectional design was performed in December 2022, using a pre-designedstructured questionnaire, that was sent to the registered email address of the families residing in the selected area of a zone located in Southern Kolkataand response from one eligible member per family was assessed. Of 142 families residing in the area, responses from 119 families were obtained. Results: Most participants agreed or strongly agreed to co-operating with HCW’s during door-to-door screening campaigns and supporting their families (94.8% and 83.7% respectively). Majority (74.4%) favoured functioning of private clinics; however, 60.7% didn’t want to allow doctors to work post-COVID recovery. Though 64.9% believed HCW’s were taking adequate measures to contain disease spread, 77.8% wanted to maintain more than required ‘safe distance’ from them and 35.1% favoured keeping them away from neighbourhood. About 67% thought HCW’s were properly trained and equipped to handle COVID-19 cases (47.8%). Participants with age more than 33 years (p=0.030), males (p=0.044) and who sought health advice in last month (p=0.016)were found to have a favourable attitude. Conclusion: The study finds a mixed opinion in the public about HCWs. Considering the difficulties faced byHCWs, which affected the functioning of the healthcare system, this scenario can be tricky while tackling similar emergencies of the future. Hence, measures to reduce societal stigma against HCWs is of great necessity.