Hydroxychloroquine as a prophylaxis for covid-19: An observational study about awareness among the healthcare workers

Abstract

Background: Various modalities are understudy for the prevention and treatment of novel coronavirus. One such modality is the use of Hydroxychloroquine/Chloroquine. The objective of the survey was to understand the awareness and impact of HCQ/CQ prophylaxis among the health care workers (HCWs) especially anaesthetists as they are fighting it on the frontline. Methods: A web-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted for HCWs globally. Participation was voluntary and confidential-ity was maintained by making participants’ information anonymous. The questionnaire consisted of 28 items. Data were tabu-lated in excel, and descriptive statistics were performed. Results: The survey was taken by 344 HCWs from all over the world. 98% of participants heard about the use of HCQ/CQ prophylaxis against COVID 19 infection. 301 HCWs knew about the side effects of HCQ/CQ. 54.1% of participants agree there is not adequate research done. 122 participants took HCQ/CQ prophylaxis. Out of 29.5% participants who received the medicine from the hospital under hospital protocol, 66.7% were given medication without baseline investigations and 30.5% HCWs were not even briefed about the drug and its side effects by the hospitals. 36.2% of participants developed side effects. 8.7% of HCWs were tested for COVID19 out of 344 participants. Conclusion: The drug taken by HCWs was without adequate evidence, prior investigations, supervision and follow-up. Most of the participants self-prescribed the drug. No separate guidelines were stated for people who had co-morbid conditions. Hospitals neither conducted baseline investigations and nor briefed HCWs about HCQ/CQ. These are some serious concerns we are look-ing into as who will be answerable in case of adverse events.