Knowledgeof Dermatology Residents on the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: A novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread throughout the world leading to a global pandemic. As a result, all healthcare workers have been profoundly affected. Objectives: The goal of our study is to identify the level of knowledge and the effect of COVID-19 on dermatology residents. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis in which 77 dermatology residents from three Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Canada completed an online questionnaire-based survey. The questionnaire consisted of four sections: one general information about the resident and three on knowledge, safety measures and impact of COVID-19, with a total of 26 questions. The questionnaire was scored out of 10 with those above the mean considered as having satisfactory knowledge. Results: The mean (SD) knowledge score was 6.25 (1.6). There was a statistically significant difference noted between the GCC countries and Canada in terms of the knowledge score (p-value=0.035). Only 14% of dermatology residents felt competent in managing COVID-19 patients. Seventy percent felt that the pandemic has negatively affected their dermatology training. Conclusion: Dermatology residents demonstrated a difference in knowledge score in relation to the geographic location of the program. Almost 46% of residents illustrated a satisfactory knowledge score about COVID-19. Only a small percentage of residents are confident in treating COVID-19 patients. Subsequently, the need for improved education of residents regarding COVID-19 before redeployment is warranted.