Exploring COVID-19 risk factor perception and barriers faced in delivering healthcare among health personnel in rural India: A qualitative content analysis study

ABSTRACT Background: The COVID-19 outbreak has placed unprecedented demands on our health system. COVID-19 is a highly infectious pathogen, and to that end, strict infection control protocols have been put in place hospital-wide to mitigate the risk of spread, including to health care providers. Aims and Objectives: 1. To explore the perception of risk factors for COVID disease among health staff working in SSSMCRI and MGMCRI 2. To determine the barriers faced by them in delivering healthcare through qualitative methods. Materials and Methods: The present study was done among health care personnel in a Medical College in Chengalpattu district during June to September 2021. A total of three focus group discussions and in-depth interview (IDI) were conducted along with free listing and pile sorting. Results: A total of 18 participants from the hospital participated in the study through 4 FGD (6–8 participants in each FGD), 5 IDI, 12 free listing, and 6 pile sorting. A multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis were done with pile sort data to get a collective picture of perceived risk factors of COVID-19. Barriers in delivering healthcare included awareness among people, low acceptance among patients, and resources. Conclusion: We conclude that healthcare personnel have high knowledge and a clear perception of the risk factors, but they face challenges in overcoming these risk factors and in delivering healthcare to people.