Document Type : Original Article
Authors
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Knowledge of a disease can influence paramedic’s attitudes and practices, and
incorrect attitudes and practices directly increase the risk of infection. Understanding paramedic’s
knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) and possible risk factors helps to predict the outcomes
of planned behavior. To assess KAP regarding COVID‑19 through Google form among paramedical
staff at tertiary care teaching institutes of central India.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross‑sectional, multicentric, questionnaire‑based study was
conducted from May 2020 to August 2020 among 230 paramedical staff from two tertiary care
teaching institutes through Google form. Data were analyzed by Chi‑square test and parametric test
using GraphPad prism software version 5.0.
RESULTS: All participants had knowledge about symptomatology of COVID‑19. However, significantly
more participants in nursing cadre know about definition of close contact. The mean knowledge
score was 4.84 ± 0.6. The mean score for attitude was 4.48 ± 0.83. Overall, 54.78% of paramedical
staff follow correct prevention strategies. Of them, significantly more nursing staff correctly practice
infection control measures upon arrival of COVID‑19 patients (P = 0.033). There was a significant
difference among both groups regarding wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment while
transporting/accompanying patients who are confirmed with COVID 19 (P = 0.009). The overall score
for practice is 3.97 ± 1.03. The practice score was significantly better in nursing cadre as compared
to nonnursing cadre (P = 0.038).
CONCLUSION: Majority of the participants had good knowledge and positive attitude. Nursing cadre
follows better preventive practices as compared to nonnursing cadre while performing COVID‑related
duties. Considering these facts, dodges responsible for poor practices should be identified and
resolved so that India will be able to conquest the battle against the disease.
Keywords
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