AWARENESS AND PRACTICES OF INFECTION CONTROL MEASURES AMONG HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Introduction: Health care providers (HCPs) are at the frontline of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and are thus exposed to threats that place them at the risk of infection. The increased risk of COVID-19 nosocomial transmission can result from poor awareness among HCPs and inadequate infection control practices. Aim of Work: To appraise awareness of coronavirus COVID-19 infection control (IC) and practices of infection control measures among health care providers (HCPs) in Beni-Suef governorate, Egypt. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 477 HCPs was done using a structured questionnaire. In Google forms a questionnaire was created, and connection was shared with HCP’s WhatsApp and Facebook groups. In the investigators’ contact lists the connection was also shared directly with HCPs. The questionnaire was divided into 3 parts to assess participants socio-demographics, awareness about the disease , infection prevention and control practices against COVID-19. Results: Among the participants; 69.2% were females, and the mean age of the group was 31.5±7.6 years with a mean professional experience of 8.2±7 years (50.7% had <6 years experience). The level of satisfactory awareness and practices about COVID-19 disease was reported in 67.5.6% and 75.3% of participants, respectively. the donning and doffing practices of their personal protective equipment (PPE). Effective infection control measures, including frequent skill-based training and continuous professional development would enhance competent practices of infection control for all categories of HCPs.