Background: Adequate information and knowledge about COVID-19 has been shown to induce the confidence and positive performance among healthcare workers (HCWs). Therefore, assessing the relationship between confidence in knowledge and associated factors among HCWs is vital in the fight against COVID-19. This paper investigates factors associated with HCWs' confidence in their overall knowledge about COVID-19 in South Africa in the early stages of the epidemic.Methods: Data utilized in this paper were from an online survey conducted among HCWs using a structured questionnaire on a data free online platform. The study population were all the medical fraternity in South Africa including medical and nurse practitioners as well as other healthcare professionals. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were performed to examine the factors associated with confidence in HCWs' overall knowledge about COVID-19.Results: Overall, just below half (47.4%) of respondents indicated that they had confidence in their overall knowledge about COVID-19. Increased odds of having confidence in the knowledge about COVID-19 were significantly associated with being male [aOR = 1.31 95% CI (1.03–1.65), p < 0.05], having a doctorate degree [aOR = 2.01 (1.23–3.28), p < 0.05], being satisfied with the information about COVID-19 guidelines [aOR = 6.01 (4.89–7.39), p < 0.001], having received training in 6–8 areas [aOR = 2.54 (1.89–3.43), p < 0.001] and having received training in 9–11 areas [aOR = 5.33 (3.81–7.47), p < 0.001], and having already treated COVID-19 patients [aOR = 1.43 (1.08–1.90), p < 0.001]. Those who were highly concerned with the levels of training of HCWs [aOR = 0.47 (0.24–0.92), p < 0.05] had decreased odds of having confidence in their overall knowledge about COVID-19.Conclusion: This study sheds light on the importance of capacitating HCWs with knowledge and adequate relevant training as part of infection prevention control measures during pandemics. Future training and information sharing should be sensitive to knowledge gaps by age, gender, qualifications, professional categories, and experience.

Objectives The aim of this study examines the HIV prevalence and associated factors orphaned adolescents and youth in South Africa using the 2017 population based national survey.Results Of 1 978 orphaned participants aged 12–24 years. The overall HIV prevalence was 7.8% (95% CI: 6.3–9.6). HIV was higher among females (9.2%) compared to males (6.4%). HIV prevalence was significantly (p < 0.05) higher among Black Africans than other race groups (8.2% versus 1.4%), unemployed compared to those who are employed (8.2% versus 1.3%), no condom use at last sex act (13.8% versus 5.8% who used a condom), had high self-perceived risk of HIV infection (11.4% versus 5.7% with low perception), and those who ever had an HIV test (9.5% versus 5.3% never tested). In the final multivariate model, the odds of HIV infection were significantly higher among female than males [AOR = 2.9 (95%CI: 1.1–7.8), p = 0.032] and those residing in rural informal/tribal areas than urban areas [AOR = 2.9 (05% CI: 1.1–7.7), p = 0.031]. The findings suggest a need for intervention to create employment opportunities, promote protective sex, address perceived susceptibility to HIV and encourage routine testing. Prioritising orphaned female adolescents and youth and those residing in rural informal/tribal areas.