Tackling adverse COVID-19 situation in India: A perspective on frontline health-care workers

Abstract

Background: As of December 17, 2021, India has been reporting a daily increase of over 7447 in fresh COVID-19 cases, total over 3.4 crore cases. Lack of knowledge and perceptions among health-care workers (HCWs) can pose challenges to disease control. HCWs are high-risk group for COVID-19; Adequate knowledge and COVID appropriate behavior can help prevent and contain the disease. Only early diagnosis and quarantine with proper management help to limit the COVID-19 transmission. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried for 30 days, from the September 16, 2020–October 15, 2020, in a block of Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, with varying cumulative incidence of COVID-19 cases. A 36-item survey instrument on various domains was adapted for assessment of COVID-19 awareness. Results: The survey was conducted among 115 frontline HCWs engaged in screening and treating COVID-19 patients. Survey results indicated that majority have good knowledge about the disease, its symptom, testing, management guidelines but lack of knowledge found on mode of organ damage and home isolation advices. Addressing their perceptions and placing additional focus on practices across all health facilities is recommended as a preparedness measure. Conclusions: As the global threat of COVID-19 still continues to emerge, targeted interventions are required for HCWs, and further studies are warranted on field level HCWs.