Open AccessCOVID 19: Evaluating the Knowledge, Attitude and Preventive Practices of Healthcare Workers in Northern Nigeria
Author(s) -
Fatimah I. Tsiga-Ahmed,
Taiwo G. Amole,
Baba Maiyaki Musa,
Aisha M. Nalado,
Omeiza Baba Agoyi,
Hadiza Galadanci,
Hamisu M. Salihu
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of mch and aids
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2161-8674
pISSN - 2161-864X
DOI - 10.21106/ijma.418
Subject(s) - medicine , health care , family medicine , logistic regression , odds ratio , covid-19 , disease , demography , environmental health , infectious disease (medical specialty) , sociology , economics , economic growth
Background: Although much is known about the rapidly spreading COVID-19 disease, a lot of knowledge is still evolving. The knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of healthcare workers (HCWs) towards COVID-19 remain key in protecting themselves and in fighting the “war” against the disease. This study assessed the KAP of HCWs in Kano, northern Nigeria.Methodology: A cross-section of different cadre of healthcare workers was recruited online via google forms. Using a link, the participants completed an adapted from a similar study, pre-tested questionnaire on KAP regarding COVID-19. Predictors of KAP were assessed using logistic regression modelling.Results: Among the 651 HCWs invited to participate, 233 respondents responded giving a response rate of 35.8%. Of these, 195 (83.7%) had good knowledge, 183 (78.9%) had a positive attitude and 180 (77.6%) had good practice towards prevention of COVID-19. The odds of having good knowledge were significantly lower among Community Health Officers/Community Health Extension workers (aOR=0.2, 95% CI: 0.1-0.6;p<0.001) and other health workers compared to doctors. Positive attitude was predicted by good knowledge (aOR=4.8, 95% CI:1.7-010.2;p=0.003), being in the fifth decade of life (aOR=5.5, 95% CI: 1.1–29.3, p=0.04), female gender (aOR=3.0, 95% CI: 1.1-8.3;p=0.04), Christian faith (aOR=7.0, 95% CI: 1.3-40.4; p=0.03), and having a bachelors’ or medical degree (aOR=4.6, 95% CI: 1.3-16.5).The only predictor of good practice was good knowledge on COVID-19 (aOR=7.8, 95% CI 2.8-12.4;p<0.001).Conclusion and Global Health Implications: Majority of the HCWs at the study site have good knowledge, attitude and practice regarding COVID-19. Continuous dissemination of information on prevention of spread of COVID-19 to all HCWs will strengthen the health workforce in the fight against it. Copyright © 2021 Tsiga-Ahmed et al. Published by Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0.