AN ASSESSMENT OF COVID-19 KNOWLEDGE AND PREVENTIVE PRACTICES AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS AT MADONNA UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL

1.1 Background of the Study The Coronavirus (Covid-19) is a highly contagious illness that primarily affects the respiratory system, ranging from mild cold-like symptoms to severe respiratory complications. According to Brosseau and Sietsema (2020), the outbreak was first identified in December 2019 at a seafood market in Wuhan, China, where live animals such as bats, raccoon dogs, snakes, and other wildlife were being sold. The World Health Organization officially declared the outbreak a pandemic on March 11, 2020 (World Health Organization, 2020). The Covid-19 pandemic has posed a global burden and a significant international health threat since its emergence. By June 15, 2020, the virus had spread across more than 200 countries, infecting over seven million individuals and triggering an unprecedented global health crisis that resulted in deep socioeconomic disruptions. The virus is notably infectious and can be transmitted through direct contact with infected persons as well as via contaminated surfaces and objects (World Health Organization, 2020). In managing pandemics, the ideal objective is to completely halt the transmission and ultimately eliminate the disease from the population (Bourne, 2020). As of June 3, 2021, several Covid-19 vaccines were undergoing review for emergency use approval by the World Health Organization, with the United Kingdom becoming the first country to authorize and commence widespread vaccination on December 8, 2020 (World Health Organization, 2021). Furthermore, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire became the first African countries to launch Covid-19 immunization programs on March 1, 2021, following recommendations by the WHO. During the first eleven months of the outbreak, there were no commercially available vaccines or specific antiviral treatments. Consequently, the World Health Organization emphasized avoidance of exposure as the most effective preventive measure (World Health Organization, 2020). In response, nearly every nation implemented various public health and social safety protocols aimed at slowing down the virus’s spread. These measures helped limit the pace of transmission—a process commonly referred to as "flattening the curve"—which is essential for reducing the number of active cases at any given time. Flattening the curve enables the healthcare system, including hospitals, doctors, and nurses, to better manage the crisis without becoming overwhelmed (World Health Organization, 2020). Healthcare workers (HCWs) have been central to Covid-19 response efforts and, as such, face heightened risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2. However, they can also become potential carriers of the virus, transmitting it to patients, colleagues, family members, and communities (Ejeh, 2020). Infections among HCWs are particularly dangerous when introduced into environments populated by vulnerable individuals with underlying health conditions (Sikkema et al., 2020). Chersich et al. (2020) warn that the consequences of the pandemic could be especially severe in Africa, where health systems are generally ill-equipped to handle widespread health emergencies. According to a Global Fund survey conducted between April and September 2020 across 24 African countries—including Uganda—50% of health facilities reported Covid-19 infections among various staff categories (Global Fund, 2020). In that same period, 67% of healthcare institutions indicated that up to 10% of their workforce had been absent due to Covid-19-related illness or quarantine protocols. The study also revealed that just 38% of these institutions had all four key personal protective equipment (PPE) items—namely face masks, disinfectants, gloves, and hand sanitizers—readily available. This highlights the importance of healthcare workers strictly adhering to the recommended Covid-19 prevention guidelines. However, compliance is largely influenced by the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of healthcare professionals themselves (Fund, 2020). For healthcare workers to develop a positive outlook toward Covid-19 protocols and adopt behaviors that reduce their risk of infection, they must first possess adequate and accurate knowledge of these preventive measures. In light of this, the present study aims to assess the knowledge and practice of Covid-19 among healthcare workers at Madonna University Teaching Hospital. 1.2 Statement of the Problem The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic brought life across the globe to an abrupt halt. According to the World Health Organization (2020), the pandemic had widespread negative impacts—not only on public health but also on the functionality of businesses and organizations, particularly in the education sector. The year 2020 witnessed the emergence of a novel virus (Covid-19) in a manner previously unseen in modern history. The rate of human-to-human transmission was both startling and alarming, with the virus’s respiratory complications and death toll triggering deep global concern. To combat the virus’s rapid spread, governments worldwide introduced a range of measures, including lockdowns and social distancing policies aimed at reducing public interaction (Alfonso, 2020). In its guidelines, the WHO emphasized the importance of protecting healthcare workers and those in close contact with infected individuals to prevent further transmission. Basic preventive measures include regular handwashing, physical distancing, and proper respiratory etiquette—such as covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing (Fund, 2020). Secondary prevention methods, such as vaccination, were later introduced to bolster defense efforts. Healthcare workers are on the frontlines of this pandemic and are exposed to numerous risks. These include frequent contact with infected patients, psychological strain, long working hours, fatigue, occupational stigma, and even threats of physical violence (Ejeh, 2020). Due to their critical role and vulnerability, it is vital to examine the extent of their knowledge and the actual preventive practices they adopt in the face of Covid-19. Thus, this study seeks to investigate the knowledge and practice of Covid-19 among healthcare workers at Madonna University Teaching Hospital, to better understand how well these professionals are prepared to handle and protect themselves and others in the ongoing pandemic. 1.3 Purpose of the study The purpose of the study is to investigateCOVID-19 Knowledge and Preventive Practices Among Healthcare Workers at Madonna University Teaching Hospital. 1.1 Objective of the study i. Determine the level of knowledge of preventive measures against Covid 19 among health workers in Madonna University teaching hospital. ii. Identify safety compliance level to the use of preventive measures adopted by health workers against Covid 19 in Madonna University teaching hospital. iii. Identify the barriers to the safety compliance level against Covid 19 among health workers in Madonna University teaching hospital. 1.4 Research hypotheses H01: The level of knowledge of preventive measures against Covid 19 among health workers in Madonna University teaching hospital is low. H02: Safety compliance level to the use of preventive measures adopted by health workers against Covid 19 in Madonna University teaching hospital is low H03: There is no barriers to the safety compliance level against Covid 19 among health workers in Madonna University teaching hospital. 1.5 Scope of the study This study will determine the level of knowledge of preventive measures against Covid 19 among health workers in Madonna University teaching hospital. The study will also identify safety compliance level to the use of preventive measures adopted by health workers against Covid 19 in Madonna University teaching hospital. Lastly, the study will identify the barriers to the safety compliance level against Covid 19 among health workers in Madonna University teaching hospital. Hence the study will be delimited to Madonna University teaching hospital 1.6 Significance of the study This study will be significant to society since the findings will aid health workers in knowing the importance of knowledge and practice of Covid 19 and its protocols and preventive measures, hence assisting them in educating and raising awareness among health workers. Additionally, this study will be of benefit to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature. 1.7 Limitations of the study As with many other research endeavors, this study encountered several challenges. One of the primary difficulties was the lack of readily available and accurate materials relevant to the topic under investigation, as well as the inability to obtain sufficient data. The researcher also faced financial limitations, which created obstacles in sourcing appropriate materials and in carrying out the printing and compilation of questionnaires. In addition, time constraints posed another significant challenge. The need to balance the demands of writing the research with other academic responsibilities made the research process particularly strenuous and demanding for the researcher. 1.8 Operational definition of terms Knowledge: acts, information, and skills acquired through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject. Practice: the actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method, as opposed to theories relating to it. Covid 19: Also known as corona-virus), which is spread primarily by contact with infectious material (such as respiratory droplets) or infected materials or surfaces. Health workers: anyone who works in a healthcare or social care setting, including healthcare students on clinical placement, frontline healthcare workers and other healthcare workers not in direct patient contact.