Frontline Healthcare Workers' Knowledge, Perception and Risk Prevention Practices Regarding COVID-19 in Afghanistan:...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Healthcare Worker Studies

Background:

• Afghanistan faced significant COVID-19 burden with nearly 50,000 cases and 2,000 deaths by December 2020.
• Gaps in healthcare worker (HCW) knowledge and perceptions can impede effective COVID-19 control strategies.
• Timely assessment of HCW knowledge, perceptions, and practices is vital for pandemic response in Afghanistan.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate COVID-19-related knowledge, perceptions, and risk prevention practices (KPP) among frontline HCWs in Afghanistan.
• To identify areas for targeted interventions to improve HCW performance in pandemic control.
• To inform preparedness measures for infectious disease outbreaks.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 14-22, 2020, across eight Afghan provinces.
• A 28-item KPP survey instrument, adapted from validated international questionnaires, was administered.
• Data were collected from 213 frontline HCWs involved in COVID-19 screening and treatment.

Main Results:

• All participants demonstrated basic COVID-19 awareness (100%).
• Knowledge of transmission, symptoms, incubation, and complications was high (>90%), with treatment knowledge at 84%.
• While 72% had positive perceptions, only 48% demonstrated adequate risk prevention practices; mask and gown efficacy perceptions were 63% and 76% respectively.

Conclusions:

• Frontline HCWs in Afghanistan possess substantial COVID-19 knowledge and positive perceptions.
• A significant gap exists between HCW knowledge/perceptions and actual risk prevention practices.
• Recommendations include addressing perception barriers and enhancing practical application of preventive measures in all health facilities.