KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOR OF HATTA HOSPITAL HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS REGARDING COVID-19 INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL

Healthcare-associated infection represents a public health problem in all countries. COVID-19 patients can rapidly overwhelm the capacities of healthcare systems. As more patients are hospitalized, healthcare workers (HCW) at the frontline of care are at the greatest risk of infection. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and self-reported behavior of healthcare professionals in Hatta Hospital regarding COVID-19 infection prevention and control (IPC) during this emerging infectious disease pandemic. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Hatta hospital, United Arab Emirates (UAE) among one hundred HCWs using a self-administered questionnaire based on UAE National and World Health Organization (WHO) IPC guidelines. Of the study participants, 66% received COVID-19 IPC training inside Hatta hospital. The mean knowledge and behavior scores were 75.7% ± 9.4 and 87.6% ± 5.9, respectively. Knowledge score and behavior score were not related to gender (p= 0.232, 0.091, respectively ) and to work position (p= 0.882, 0.994, respectively), however, they were related to the previous contact with COVID -19 patients (p= 001, 0.011, respectively ). Nonetheless, gaps in IPC knowledge and behavior have been identified and need improvement. This includes donning and doffing of PPE and optimal use of protective measures especially respirators (N95 or FFP2).