AWARENESS AND PRACTICE OF COVID-19 PROTOCOLS AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS AT MADONNA UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious illness that primarily affects the respiratory system, with symptoms ranging from a mild cold to severe respiratory complications. According to Brosseau and Sietsema (2020), the outbreak was first reported in December 2019 at a seafood market in Wuhan, China, where live animals such as bats, snakes, raccoon dogs, and others were sold. The World Health Organization officially declared the outbreak a global pandemic on March 11, 2020 (World Health Organization, 2020). The COVID-19 outbreak presented both a global health crisis and a significant threat to international public health as early as 2018. By June 15, 2020, the virus had rapidly spread across over 200 countries, infecting more than seven million people and initiating a global health emergency that brought about extensive socioeconomic disruptions. Transmission of the virus is known to occur through close contact with infected individuals, as well as through exposure to contaminated surfaces and objects (World Health Organization, 2020). In combating a pandemic, the most favorable result is the complete interruption of transmission and eventual elimination or eradication of the disease from the population (Bourne, 2020). As of June 3, 2021, several COVID-19 vaccines were undergoing evaluation for inclusion in the World Health Organization’s emergency use list, with the United Kingdom becoming the first country to authorize and commence mass vaccinations on December 8, 2020 (World Health Organization, 2021). On March 1, 2021, Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire became the first African nations to launch COVID-19 vaccination campaigns, as recommended by the WHO. During the first eleven months of the pandemic, there were no vaccines or specific antiviral treatments available. In response, the WHO advised that the most effective strategy to curb the spread was through avoidance of exposure to the virus (World Health Organization, 2020). This led to the implementation of numerous public health and social measures across countries. These efforts significantly slowed the spread of the virus. The concept of "flattening the curve" refers to the effort to reduce the number of active cases at any one time, thereby giving health systems — including doctors, nurses, and hospitals — more time to prepare and respond effectively without being overwhelmed (World Health Organization, 2020). Healthcare workers (HCWs) have played a vital role in managing the spread of COVID-19, placing them at an increased risk of contracting the virus (SARS-CoV-2). In addition to being vulnerable, HCWs also have the potential to spread the virus to patients, family members, and the wider community (Ejeh, 2020). Infections among healthcare professionals can be especially dangerous when the virus is introduced into settings populated by individuals with existing health conditions or compromised immunity (Sikkema et al., 2020). Chersich et al. (2020) emphasized that the impact of the pandemic would likely be more severe in Africa, where health systems may not be robust enough to handle such an outbreak effectively. A Global Fund report assessing health facilities in 24 African countries, including Uganda, between April and September 2020 found that 50% of the facilities reported COVID-19 infections among different categories of their staff (Global Fund, 2020). During the same period, about 67% of healthcare institutions noted staff absenteeism, with up to 10% of employees affected. These absences were largely due to illness caused by COVID-19 or the need for quarantine following exposure to infected individuals. The study also revealed that only 38% of the healthcare institutions had access to four critical personal protective equipment (PPE) items: face masks, disinfectants, gloves, and hand sanitizers. Adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures by healthcare workers is essential in minimizing the impact of the virus on healthcare delivery in Africa. However, it is important to recognize that the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of HCWs play a significant role in their compliance with these guidelines (Global Fund, 2020). In order for healthcare personnel to engage positively with prevention protocols and adopt behavior that minimizes the risk of transmission, it is essential that they possess adequate knowledge about COVID-19 prevention. Therefore, this study seeks to explore the knowledge and practical measures adopted by healthcare professionals in Madonna University Teaching Hospital in relation to COVID-19. 1.2 Statement of the Problem The emergence of COVID-19 disrupted global activity and brought many sectors to a halt. According to the World Health Organization (2020), the pandemic has not only adversely affected individual health globally but has also caused severe disruptions to the operational capacities of businesses and institutions, including the education sector. In 2020, the world faced an unprecedented pandemic caused by a novel virus, COVID-19. The rate of human-to-human transmission, coupled with severe respiratory complications and increasing fatalities, led to widespread anxiety and global alarm. To limit the spread of the virus among the general population, many countries implemented social distancing, lockdowns, and various other preventive measures (Alfonso, 2020). To mitigate the spread of the disease, the World Health Organization recommended the protection of healthcare workers and close contacts of patients. Key primary preventive strategies included frequent hand hygiene, maintaining social distance, and practicing good respiratory etiquette such as covering the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing (Global Fund, 2020). Secondary preventive measures were centered on vaccination and immunization. Healthcare professionals, who serve as the frontline defense against the COVID-19 pandemic, are exposed to multiple risks. These risks range from direct infection due to repeated exposure to infected individuals, to psychological strain, long working hours, fatigue, social stigma, and even incidents of physical violence (Ejeh, 2020). Given the crucial role that healthcare workers play and the challenges they face, it is imperative to assess their level of knowledge and the practices they adopt in dealing with COVID-19. This underscores the importance of investigating the knowledge and practices of healthcare workers in Madonna University Teaching Hospital concerning the prevention and control of COVID-19. 1.3 Purpose of the study The purpose of the study is to investigate the awareness and practice of covid-19 protocols among healthcare workers at madonna university teaching hospital. 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 awareness and practice of covid-19 protocols among healthcare workers at 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 Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraints are: Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research alongside other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her. Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process. Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study. 1.8 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.