A Cross-Sectional Study on Oyo State Health Care Workers Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Corona Virus Disease 2019(COVID-19)

Abstract Background Health workers are at the front line of the COVID-19 outbreak response and as such are exposed to hazards that put them at risk of infection. Poor knowledge among HCWs and inadequate infection control practices may lead to the increased risk of COVID-19 nosocomial transmission. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practice of Oyo state health care workers on COVID-19 as part of emergency preparedness. Methods A hospital based cross-sectional survey was conducted in selected health facilities in Oyo State, Nigeria. A total of 350 HCWs were assessed for the knowledge, attitudes and practices on COVID-19 using a semi-structured questionnaire. Multivariate analysis was conducted to identify predictors of good knowledge at 95% confidence interval. with Epi-info software. Results The level of good knowledge on COVID-19 was 78.6% and positive attitude was 64% among the respondents. Majority of respondents practice safe measures in the prevention of COVID-19 including washing of hands (95.3%), routine cleaning (82.7%) and high-level disinfection (83.9%). However, use of personal protective equipment (PPE) was low (56.8%). Predictors of good knowledge on COVID-19 were being a female HCW [Adjusted Odd’s Ratio(AOR) = 6.5 95% CI 1.0-17.2], ≥ 10 years length in service[AOR = 5.2 95%CI 2.7–18.9] and being a secondary or tertiary facility[ AOR = 3.6 95%CI 1.7–32.2]. Conclusions Overall knowledge and attitude were satisfactory however the practices of HCWs on the use of personal protective equipment was not satisfactory. Effective infection control measures including regular skill-based training and/or orientation for all categories of HCWs can improve infection control practices in health facilities.