Readiness of nurses to provide nursing care for COVID-19 patients at covid dedicated hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Gazi, M. H. U. R.; Akhi, M. R.

Background: Coronavirus pandemic has become the leading cause of disability and death throughout the world. Nurses have a pivotal role in managing the COVID-19 patients across the globe including Bangladesh. Objective: The study was aimed to assess the level of nurses' knowledge, attitude and practice with regard to readiness for providing nursing care for COVID-19 patients at COVID-19 dedicated hospitals in Dhaka. Method: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study. Data were collected from July, to September, 2020 using a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 384 nurses were selected from four corona dedicated hospitals in Dhaka. Nurses' readiness was measured by using paper and pencil questionnaire. Personal and professional characteristics knowledge, attitudes and practice related to COVID-19 questionnaires were used. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one way ANOVA and Pearson's Product-Moment Correlation-Coefficient. Results: Findings showed that nurses had moderate level of knowledge (M = 34.34.15, SD = 2.98), attitude (M = 27.58, SD = 3.45) and practice (M = 13.12, SD = 1.78) respectively. A significant negative correlation found between knowledge and attitude (r = -.178, p = .000). However, no significant relationship was to be found between attitude and practice and knowledge and practice regarding nurses' readiness to provide nursing care to COVID-19 patients. Statistical analysis showed that nurses working at Kurmitola General Hospital (F = 9.47, p = .000) had better practice than those of other hospitals. Senior staff nurses did better practice (F = 21.765, p = .000) than those of other nurses. Conclusion: Nurses achieved moderate level of knowledge, attitude and practice. There was negative correlation between knowledge and attitude of nurses. In-service education programme can be developed and conducted to increase knowledge, attitude and practice regarding nurses readiness for caring of COVID-19 patients. © 2020 Bangladesh Medical Research Council. All rights reserved.