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. 2021;10(1):88-97.
doi: 10.21106/ijma.418. Epub 2021 Feb 19.

COVID 19: Evaluating the Knowledge, Attitude and Preventive Practices of Healthcare Workers in Northern Nigeria

Fatimah Isma'il Tsiga-Ahmed  1 , Taiwo Gboluwaga Amole  1   2 , Baba Maiyaki Musa  2   3 , Aishatu Muhammad Nalado  3 , Omeiza Baba Agoyi  1 , Hadiza Shehu Galadanci  2   4 , Hamisu M Salihu  5
Affiliations

COVID 19: Evaluating the Knowledge, Attitude and Preventive Practices of Healthcare Workers in Northern Nigeria

Fatimah Isma'il Tsiga-Ahmed et al. Int J MCH AIDS. 2021.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Attitude; COVID-19; COVID-19 pandemic; Corona virus; Health care practitioners; Healthcare workers; Knowledge; Medical doctors; Nigeria; Northern Nigeria; Pharmacists; Practice.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflicts ofinterest. Ethics Approval: Ethical approval was obtained from the Kano State Health Research Ethics Committee (Reference- MOH/Off/797/T.I/2005). Signed informed consent was obtained from all the respondents and participation was voluntary. Disclaimer: None

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