Prophylactic use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQS) in COVID-19: A questionnaire-based study in health care professionals

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has engulfed the whole world with millions getting infected and losing their lives. Health care professionals (HCPs) who are in the front line of fighting with COVID-19 are particularly vulnerable and it is crucial to protect them from COVID-19. In this regard, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has recommended hydroxychloroquine (HCQS) chemoprophylaxis in HCPs. However, considering the lack of sufficient evidence the HCP are in a dilemma about this aspect. Moreover, there is a paucity of data on use of HCQS as a chemoprophylaxis among Indian HCP. Hence, this study was carried out to study the extent of use and also the perception of Indian HCP toward use of HCQS as a chemoprophylaxis for COVID-19.

This was a cross-sectional study done on 205 HCPs working across India. The responses were collected electronically using a prevalidated semi-structured questionnaire.

62.9% (129/205) respondents reported having taken HCQS chemo-prophylaxis for COVID-19 while 34.7% (76/205) did not take it. Among HCP, who did not take the prophylaxis, the main reasons cited were concern about adverse effects (61.5%) and lack of robust evidence (24%). Only 14% of respondents felt that there was sufficient evidence to justify use of HCQS for prophylaxis while an overwhelming majority (86%) felt otherwise or were uncertain.

The majority of participants felt that despite a lack of proven efficacy, ICMR guidelines on HCQS prophylaxis in COVID-19 are justified considering the pandemic situation. Our study also found that HCQS is well tolerated by participants and there was no reported serious adverse effect and cardiac-related side effects among them.