Assessment of health-care workers' knowledge regarding COVID-19 in selected local government areas in cross River State

Abstract

Background: Health-care workers are at the frontline of COVID-19 pandemic response with an increased risk of infection compared to the general population with a significant number losing their lives. It is therefore crucial that HCWs have adequate knowledge about all aspects of the disease to protect themselves and reduce transmission of COVID-19 in populations they serve. Aim: The aim is to determine the level of knowledge of health-care workers (HCWs) regarding COVID-19 in selected local government areas (LGAs) in Cross River State. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study involving a pre- and post-test evaluation was carried out among 47 HCWs in five selected LGAs in Cross River State. A 1-day nonresidential training aimed at improving the knowledge of COVID-19 among HCWs was organized by the Efik Young professionals in collaboration with the State Primary Health Care Development Agency. Data were summarized using proportions and paired t-test to explore associations between quantitative variables. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. A score of 70 and above represented adequate knowledge. Results: The mean age of participants in the workshop was 36.9 ± 7.23 years. The majority of the respondents were female 38 (80.9%) and health facility heads 20 (42.6%). Before the training, less than a fifth (16.2%) demonstrated adequate knowledge regarding COVID-19 infection. Post-test analysis revealed a marked improvement (83.8%) in the knowledge acquired and this was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Although the training workshop was useful in improving the knowledge of HCWs regarding COVID-19, it is important that these trainings are done periodically to update the HCWs with adequate information particularly frontline HCWs serving in rural areas.