Knowledge, Perceptions, Satisfaction, and Readiness of Health-Care Providers Regarding COVID-19 in Northern Ethiopia

Wuneh, Alem; Kahsay, Amaha; Tinsae, Fitiwi; Ashebir, Fisseha; Giday, Gebreamlak; Mirutse, Gebremeskel; Gebretsadik, Gebremedhin; Gebremedhin, Getachew; Weldearegay, Haftom; Berhe, Kalayou; Woldegebriel, Manay; Weldeselassie, Tesfay; Berhane, Yemane; Hadis, Zinabu

BACKGROUND: To protect health-care providers (HCPs) from COVID-19, the WHO recommends applying basic principles of infection prevention and control measures at all health-care facilities. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perceptions, satisfaction, and readiness of HCPs regarding COVID-19 in Tigrai, Ethiopia in 2020. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1 to July, 2020. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Multistage sampling followed by purposive sampling were used to recruit study subjects. SPSS 21 was used to compute proportions and χ(2) to identify risk factors. RESULTS: Of 765 participants, 88% had adequate knowledge, close to a third showed positive perceptions and were satisfied with their job and nearly a quarter demonstrated readiness to prevent and control COVID-19. Education, knowledge, readiness, perceptions, and job satisfaction with associated with type and readiness of health facilities. CONCLUSION: Despite adequate knowledge of the HCPs about COVID-19, their perceptions and job satisfaction are a concern for the health-care system. Only one in five HCPs was found to be ready to prevent and control COVID-19. Efforts should be exerted to improve perceptions, job satisfaction, and readiness of HCPs to fight COVID-19.