Knowledge and compliance with Covid-19 infection prevention and control measures among health workers in regional referral hospitals in northern Uganda: a cross-sectional online survey

Abstract

Background: Infection prevention and control (IPC) has increasingly been underscored as a key tool for limiting the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and safeguarding health workers from infections during their work. Knowledge and compliance with IPC measures is therefore essential in protecting health workers. However, this has not been established among health workers in northern Uganda in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge and compliance with Covid-19 infection prevention and control measures among health workers in regional referral hospitals in northern Uganda. Methods: An online cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 75 health workers in regional referral hospitals within northern Uganda. A structured questionnaire was distributed to health workers via WhatsApp messenger. Sufficient knowledge was considered at a correct response score of ≥80%, while adequate compliance was rated ≥75% of the maximum score. Data were analyzed using SPSS v21. Results: The majority of the health workers had sufficient knowledge (69%) and adequate compliance (68%) with Covid-19 IPC. Adequate compliance was significantly associated with training in Covid-19 IPC (p=0.039), access to Covid-19 IPC at workstations (p=0.036), and having strong institutional support (p=0.031). However, there was no significant relationship between knowledge and compliance with IPC (p=0.07). The socio-demographic characteristics of health workers, including age, sex, education level, occupation, working hours and work experience, had no statistically significant relationship with Covid-19 IPC knowledge or compliance. Conclusion: Our results show fairly good knowledge and compliance with Covid-19 IPC among health workers in northern Uganda. There is need for more training and provision of guidelines to promote compliance with Covid-19 IPC.

Level of Knowledge and Compliance With Personal Protective Equipment Use in Healthcare Workers

“…In contrast, according to research by Hossain et al (2021), as many as 0.50% of healthcare workers in Bangladesh have poor knowledge. It is different from the results of a study by Amanya et al (2021) that found that 30.70% of healthcare workers at Regional Referral Hospitals in Northern Uganda had insufficient knowledge about COVID-19 IPC. Meanwhile, PPE knowledge is needed by healthcare workers.…”

“…The study showed that 7.00% of healthcare workers were still not compliant with PPE use. It is different from the research of Amanya et al (2021) that 32% of healthcare workers had poor adherence to COVID-19 IPC, while based on research by Neuwirth, Mattner, & Otchwemah (2020), it was found that 15% of healthcare workers who handle direct contact with COVID-19 patients have low adherence. Lack of healthcare workers' compliance with the use of PPE is related to having attended IPC Covid-19 training, having IPC guidelines, and feeling strong institutional support (Amanya et al, 2021).…”

“…It is different from the research of Amanya et al (2021) that 32% of healthcare workers had poor adherence to COVID-19 IPC, while based on research by Neuwirth, Mattner, & Otchwemah (2020), it was found that 15% of healthcare workers who handle direct contact with COVID-19 patients have low adherence. Lack of healthcare workers' compliance with the use of PPE is related to having attended IPC Covid-19 training, having IPC guidelines, and feeling strong institutional support (Amanya et al, 2021). According to Nguyen et al (2020) regarding the experience of previous viruses that have attacked the respiratory tract, PPE use is important to reduce nosocomial transmission so that healthcare workers can provide safe care.…”