Knowledge, risk perception and practices of health personnel about the novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Abstract

Introduction: The new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is currently the cause of a pandemic. Health professionals must have reliable and trustworthy information about COVID-19. Objectives: To determine the knowledge, risk perception and practices of the health personnel of the National Hospital of Itauguá and the Regional Hospital of Caacupé about the COVID-19 disease. Methodology: We carried out an observational, cross-sectional study in both hospitals. The medical and nursing staff of these hospitals were asked to participate by answering an anonymous online questionnaire. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the National University of Itapúa. Results: 384 subjects participated in the study, of which 334 (86.98%) reported having received training on COVID-19, 245 (63.8%) participants were female, the average age was 32.6 ± 8 years, 315 (82%) came from the urban area, 214 (55.7%) belong to the National Hospital of Itauguá and 170 (44.3%) to the Regional Hospital of Caacupé. Regarding their profession, 274 (71.3%) are doctors, 89 (23.2%) are nursing graduates and 21 (5.5%) are nursing technicians. The mean percentage of correct answers was 84.70% ± 14.02%. A total of 319 (83.07%) participants presented a high level of knowledge (≥75% correct answers). The most frequent risk perception (96%) was that the lack of information makes it difficult for health personnel to prepare. The predominant preventive practice (95%) was the self-report of symptoms. Conclusions: The level of knowledge of health personnel about COVID-9 was high, most perceive the risk factors for infection and demonstrate preventive practices against this disease.