Knowledge, Risk Perception and Information Sources Regarding COVID-19 Among Allied Healthcare Workers in Peshawar

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 outbreak has caused concerns for both general masses and healthcare workers globally and brought much of anxiety and fear, further complicated by the “infodemic” phrase. In this study the core elements such as knowledge and risk perception of healthcare workers were evaluated and also determined where they obtained COVID-19 related information. Methods: A web-based survey was conducted among allied healthcare workers in major tertiary care facilities in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A validated questionnaire through Google platform was penned down to the target participants from 12th to 29th April 2020. Results: The average COVID-19 related knowledge of the participants was 81.92% and nearly 50% of the participants demonstrated good knowledge. Moreover, 45.5% demonstrated moderate knowledge. Age groups (P=0.003), sex (P=0.034) and work experience (P=0.001) were significantly associated with knowledge of COVID-19. Similarly, significant association was noted between COVID-19 associated stress and panic among participants who are involved in direct patients care (P=0.021). Likewise, those thinking of having higher chances of contacting coronavirus infection were significantly associated with age groups (P=0.007), job category (P=0.018), work experience (P<0.001), and direct patient interaction (P<0.001). Overall perceived risk of COVID-19 was 7.32±2.30 and a significant mean difference was observed between males and females. Pertaining to the sources of information, a similar proportion 17.6% disclosed research articles and social media as the primary sources. Conclusion: We observed good knowledge about COVID-19 and high risk perception in the study population. Educational interventions are needed to expand participants existing knowledge. A high risk perception must be considered more promptly.