Self Awareness Regarding COVID-19 Among Nursing Professionals and Nursing Students In Rajasthan: A Questionnaire Based Survey

Mrs. ABHILASHA VERMA; Dr. RISHI KUMAR TAILOR

Volume : IX, Issue : VI, June - 2020

Self Awareness Regarding COVID-19 Among Nursing Professionals and Nursing Students In Rajasthan: A Questionnaire Based Survey

Mrs. Abhilasha Verma, Dr. Rishi Kumar Tailor

Abstract :

Background: COVID–19 infection is a respiratory illness caused by SARS Co–V–2, a new strain of SARS CoV (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus). The COVID–19 was spreading worldwide since December 2019, affected millions of people, shut down major cities, and have imposed global travel restrictions. Precautions are necessary to prevent potential spread of COVID–19 in health care settings and boost up survival in the environment. The aim of this study is to assess the self awareness of COVID –19 and related infection control practices among nursing professionals and nursing students in the Rajasthan. Methods: The online survey was conducted at nursing teaching institute and hospital in Rajasthan. The online form was sent to 600 potential responders.The period of survey was from 16 April, 2020 to 23 April, 2020. Total of 238 responders completed the survey with a response rate of 39.7%. Self administered questionnaire consists of demographic questions, and 21 questions based on knowledge and infection control practices related to COVID–19.These questionnaires were adapted from the current interim guidance and information for health care workers published by CDC, updated on April 8, 2020. Consent was taken from all participants in this study. Convenient sampling was used for data collection, and the distribution of responders was presented as frequency and percentage. Data were tabulated in excel, and descriptive statistics were performed using SPSS 25. Individual pair wise comparisons were done using the median test for percentage correct response. Results: The overall awareness of all subgroups was sufficient with 55 % reported correct answers. The highest percentage of correct responses was from nursing faculty and the lowest was from B.Sc.Nursing students. Only 29.8 % of the responders were aware that the virus causing COVID–19 was initially known as 2019–nCoV and was later termed as SARS CoV–2. Only 39.5% of respondents were able to answer correct sequence for application of face mask, 35.3% of respondents received training programme on universal precaution, less than 20% were able to describe close contact, casual contacts and category of vulnerable healthcare worker. However around 76.1% of responders correctly answer the mode of COVID–19 spread, 98.7% aware of common sign and symptoms. More than 90% of respondents agree that social distancing necessary in spite of using face mask, and aware of using face mask and gloves and properly dispose them. Conclusion: Nursing professionals and students from the Rajasthan demonstrates satisfactory awareness of COVID–19 in the healthcare setting with an overall percentage of 55% correct answers. In this demanding situation they are playing very crucial role as frontline warriors. This study shows that there is a need to implement educational interventions and training programs on infection control practices for COVID–19. Conducting webinars for educational intervention could be a useful and safe tool to create more awareness. Occupational health and safety are of greater importance to minimize the risk of transmission to health care workers and professionals.