@article{Kanu_S-2021_10033,
title = {Healthcare workers' knowledge, attitude, practice and perceived health facility preparedness regarding COVID-19 in Sierra Leone},
author = {Kanu, S. and James, P. and Bah, A. and Kabba, J. and Kamara, M. and Williams, C. and Kanu, J.},
month = {feb},
year = {2021},
abstract = {Background:Healthcare workers (HCWs) are known to spearhead the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, their knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are considered critical to the success of the current COVID-19 response efforts. This study aims to determine HCWs’ KAP toward COVID-19 and assesses their perception of their healthcare facilities preparedness to respond appropriately to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in Sierra Leone.Methods:We conducted an online cross-sectional study among HCWs (n=516) between 1st May 2020 and 30th June 2020. We collected our data using a self-administered structured questionnaire via email and online social media platforms. We analyzed our data using descriptive statistics and regression analysis (p&lt; 0.05).Results:Close to three-fourth of HCWs (n=375, 72.7%) were knowledgeable regarding COVID-19. Doctors were more knowledgeable than community health workers and laboratory technicians (AOR= 2.48, 95% CI: 1.16– 5.31, p=0.019) regarding COVID-19. Close to two-thirds of HCWs (n=301, 58.3%) HCWs show positive attitudes toward COVID-19. Being male (AOR=2.08, 95% CI: 1.36– 3.20, p=0.001) and directly involved in COVID-19 patient care (AOR=3.21, 95% CI: 1.88– 5.48, p&lt; 0.001) were identified as predictors of positive attitude towards COVID-19. HCWs are generally adhering to COVID-19 safe practices with majority indicating that they regularly wash or sanitize their hands (n=510, 98.8%) and used facemask at point of care (n=499, 96.7%). Majority of HCWs are of the view that their healthcare facilities are ill-prepared to adequately respond to COVID-19 with majority (n= 400, 77.5%) of them stating that their facilities lack enough personal protective equipment.Conclusion:HCWs in Sierra Leone showed good knowledge, positive attitude and practice regarding COVID-19. However, HCWs are of the view that their healthcare facilities are ill-prepared to respond adequately to the COVID-19 outbreak. Health authorities and policymakers need to provide the necessary resources to allow HCWs to work in a safe environment.},
pages = {67-80},
volume = {14},
issue = {1},
journal = {Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare},
publisher = {Dove Press},
url = {https://doi.org/10.2147/JMDH.S287156},
}
