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Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Towards COVID-19 Pandemic Among Health Workers in Bosaso, Somalia

Received: 18 July 2023     Accepted: 10 August 2023     Published: 28 August 2023
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Abstract

Background: WHO confirmed COVID-19 as a global pandemic on 11 March 2020. In Africa, the first case of COVID-19 was noted on 14 February 2020 in Egypt and Somalia confirmed its first case of the novel coronavirus in Mogadishu on 16 March 2020. In 12 June 2023, there are 26,439 confirmed cases and deaths has been recorded 1,361 in countrywide. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are critical to the continued effort in winning the battle over the disease. This study aims to determine healthcare workers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19 in Bosaso, Somalia. Methods: Quantitative data were collected through self-administered questionnaires to obtain information about knowledge, attitude and practices towards COVID-19 pandemic among health workers in Bosaso, Somalia. We used convenience sampling techniques in this research. Then, we distributed questionnaires via Google Forms Online to select eligible participants, focused on those who were available and willing to participate in this study. The researchers continuously monitor the completion and submission of questionnaires from accomplished respondents. This study was analyzed using a descriptive statistics approach, and SPSS software version 25 was utilized. Results: A total of 142 health workers completed the questionnaires. More than 59% were female, while 41% were male. Most health workers 83% had good knowledge about COVID-19 transmission, while 17% had poor knowledge. Moreover, knowledge regarding signs, symptoms, and at-risk groups was generally satisfactory. However, a gap exists in the use of early antibiotics to take preventive measures against COVID-19 patients. Overall, 59.7% of health workers had a positive attitude towards the disease, although gaps have been identified as 21.1% health workers believe that being Muslim has less at risk for the COVID-19 occurrence. Majority of health workers were practicing frequent handwashing, using a complete set of PPE and wearing a mask when going to public places. Conclusion: Health workers in Bosaso demonstrated good knowledge, positive attitude and satisfactory infection prevention and control practices. The study recommends that the government prioritize behaviors in the dissemination of evidence-based information to healthcare professionals to increase their knowledge of preventive measures and their precautionary practices during health service delivery. In addition, policymakers and other stakeholders should prioritize awareness campaigns on COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control in advance. Further research at the study site is also advised.

Published in Central African Journal of Public Health (Volume 9, Issue 4)
DOI 10.11648/j.cajph.20230904.14
Page(s) 117-122
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2023. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, KAP Study, Health Workers, Bosaso, Somalia

References
[1] Abdel Wahed, W. Y. et al. (2020) ‘Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perception of Health Care Workers Regarding COVID-19, A Cross-Sectional Study from Egypt’, Journal of Community Health, 45 (6), pp. 1242–1251. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900- 020-00882-0.
[2] Abdi, A. et al. (2021) ‘Preliminary findings of COVID-19 infection in health workers in Somalia: A reason for concern’, International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 104, pp. 734–736. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2021.01.066.
[3] Ahmed, M. A. M. et al. (2020) ‘COVID-19 in Somalia: Adherence to preventive measures and evolution of the disease burden’, Pathogens, 9 (9), pp. 1–11. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens9090735.
[4] Albahri, A. H. et al. (2021) ‘Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding COVID-19 Among Healthcare Workers in Primary Healthcare Centers in Dubai: A Cross-Sectional Survey, 2020’, Frontiers in Public Health, 9. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.617679.
[5] AL Mohammed, O. A. et al. (2021) ‘Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Associated With COVID-19 Among Healthcare Workers in Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia’, Frontiers in Public Health, 9. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.643053.
[6] Bhagavathula, A. S. et al. (2020) ‘Knowledge and perceptions of COVID-19 among health care workers: Cross-sectional study’, JMIR Public Health and Surveillance, 6 (2), pp. 1–9. Available at: https://doi.org/10.2196/19160.
[7] Braam, D. H. et al. (2021) ‘Lockdowns, lives and livelihoods: the impact of COVID-19 and public health responses to conflict affected populations - a remote qualitative study in Baidoa and Mogadishu, Somalia’, Conflict and Health, 15 (1). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13031-021-00382-5.
[8] Ejeh, F. E. et al. (2020) ‘Knowledge, attitude, and practice among healthcare workers towards COVID-19 outbreak in Nigeria’, Heliyon, 6 (11). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05557.
[9] Jemal, B. et al. (2021) ‘Knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare workers toward COVID-19 and its prevention in Ethiopia: A multicenter study’, SAGE Open Medicine, 9, p. 205031212110343. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/20503121211034389.
[10] Kanu, S. et al. (2021) ‘Healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitude, practice and perceived health facility preparedness regarding covid-19 in sierra leone’, Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, 14, pp. 67–80. Available at: https://doi.org/10.2147/JMDH.S287156.
[11] Mathew, G. et al. (2021) ‘STROCSS 2021: Strengthening the reporting of cohort, cross- sectional and case-control studies in surgery’, International journal of surgery (London, England), 96. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/J.IJSU.2021.106165.
[12] Nepal, Richa et al. (2020) ‘Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding COVID-19 among healthcare workers in Chitwan, Nepal’, Journal of Chitwan Medical College, 10 (3). Available at: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-26774/v1.
[13] Partners, O. (2021) COVID-19 Response in Zambia. Available at: https://covid19som-ochasom.hub.arcgis.com/ (Accessed: 16 October 2021).
[14] Qadah, T. (2020) ‘Knowledge and attitude among healthcare workers towards COVID-19: A cross sectional study from Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia’, Journal of Infection in Developing Countries, 14 (10), pp. 1090–1097. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3855/jidc.13083.
[15] Saqlain, M. et al. (2020) ‘Knowledge, attitude, practice and perceived barriers among healthcare workers regarding COVID-19: a cross-sectional survey from Pakistan’, Journal of Hospital Infection, 105 (3), pp. 419–423. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2020.05.007.
[16] Stuart Ray, R. B. (2021) COVID Variants: What You Should Know | Johns Hopkins Medicine. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and- diseases/coronavirus/a-new-strain-of-coronavirus-what-you-should-know. November 2021).
[17] The WHO African Region (2021) COVID19_Cases, WHO COVID_19 Report. Available at: https://who.maps.arcgis.com/ apps/dashboards/ 0c9b3a8b68d0437a8cf28581e9c063a9 (Accessed: 16 October 2021).
[18] The WHO African Region (2021b) Six in seven COVID-19 infections go undetected in Africa WHO | Regional Office for Africa. Available at: https://www.afro.who.int/news/six-seven- covid-19-infections-go-undetected-africa (Accessed: 16 October 2021).
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Cite This Article
  • APA Style

    Fatima Abdirazak Ahmed, Abdirizak Mohamud Yusuf, Said Nuriye Abshir. (2023). Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Towards COVID-19 Pandemic Among Health Workers in Bosaso, Somalia. Central African Journal of Public Health, 9(4), 117-122. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cajph.20230904.14

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    ACS Style

    Fatima Abdirazak Ahmed; Abdirizak Mohamud Yusuf; Said Nuriye Abshir. Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Towards COVID-19 Pandemic Among Health Workers in Bosaso, Somalia. Cent. Afr. J. Public Health 2023, 9(4), 117-122. doi: 10.11648/j.cajph.20230904.14

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    AMA Style

    Fatima Abdirazak Ahmed, Abdirizak Mohamud Yusuf, Said Nuriye Abshir. Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Towards COVID-19 Pandemic Among Health Workers in Bosaso, Somalia. Cent Afr J Public Health. 2023;9(4):117-122. doi: 10.11648/j.cajph.20230904.14

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  • @article{10.11648/j.cajph.20230904.14,
      author = {Fatima Abdirazak Ahmed and Abdirizak Mohamud Yusuf and Said Nuriye Abshir},
      title = {Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Towards COVID-19 Pandemic Among Health Workers in Bosaso, Somalia},
      journal = {Central African Journal of Public Health},
      volume = {9},
      number = {4},
      pages = {117-122},
      doi = {10.11648/j.cajph.20230904.14},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cajph.20230904.14},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.cajph.20230904.14},
      abstract = {Background: WHO confirmed COVID-19 as a global pandemic on 11 March 2020. In Africa, the first case of COVID-19 was noted on 14 February 2020 in Egypt and Somalia confirmed its first case of the novel coronavirus in Mogadishu on 16 March 2020. In 12 June 2023, there are 26,439 confirmed cases and deaths has been recorded 1,361 in countrywide. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are critical to the continued effort in winning the battle over the disease. This study aims to determine healthcare workers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19 in Bosaso, Somalia. Methods: Quantitative data were collected through self-administered questionnaires to obtain information about knowledge, attitude and practices towards COVID-19 pandemic among health workers in Bosaso, Somalia. We used convenience sampling techniques in this research. Then, we distributed questionnaires via Google Forms Online to select eligible participants, focused on those who were available and willing to participate in this study. The researchers continuously monitor the completion and submission of questionnaires from accomplished respondents. This study was analyzed using a descriptive statistics approach, and SPSS software version 25 was utilized. Results: A total of 142 health workers completed the questionnaires. More than 59% were female, while 41% were male. Most health workers 83% had good knowledge about COVID-19 transmission, while 17% had poor knowledge. Moreover, knowledge regarding signs, symptoms, and at-risk groups was generally satisfactory. However, a gap exists in the use of early antibiotics to take preventive measures against COVID-19 patients. Overall, 59.7% of health workers had a positive attitude towards the disease, although gaps have been identified as 21.1% health workers believe that being Muslim has less at risk for the COVID-19 occurrence. Majority of health workers were practicing frequent handwashing, using a complete set of PPE and wearing a mask when going to public places. Conclusion: Health workers in Bosaso demonstrated good knowledge, positive attitude and satisfactory infection prevention and control practices. The study recommends that the government prioritize behaviors in the dissemination of evidence-based information to healthcare professionals to increase their knowledge of preventive measures and their precautionary practices during health service delivery. In addition, policymakers and other stakeholders should prioritize awareness campaigns on COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control in advance. Further research at the study site is also advised.},
     year = {2023}
    }
    

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  • TY  - JOUR
    T1  - Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Towards COVID-19 Pandemic Among Health Workers in Bosaso, Somalia
    AU  - Fatima Abdirazak Ahmed
    AU  - Abdirizak Mohamud Yusuf
    AU  - Said Nuriye Abshir
    Y1  - 2023/08/28
    PY  - 2023
    N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cajph.20230904.14
    DO  - 10.11648/j.cajph.20230904.14
    T2  - Central African Journal of Public Health
    JF  - Central African Journal of Public Health
    JO  - Central African Journal of Public Health
    SP  - 117
    EP  - 122
    PB  - Science Publishing Group
    SN  - 2575-5781
    UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cajph.20230904.14
    AB  - Background: WHO confirmed COVID-19 as a global pandemic on 11 March 2020. In Africa, the first case of COVID-19 was noted on 14 February 2020 in Egypt and Somalia confirmed its first case of the novel coronavirus in Mogadishu on 16 March 2020. In 12 June 2023, there are 26,439 confirmed cases and deaths has been recorded 1,361 in countrywide. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are critical to the continued effort in winning the battle over the disease. This study aims to determine healthcare workers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19 in Bosaso, Somalia. Methods: Quantitative data were collected through self-administered questionnaires to obtain information about knowledge, attitude and practices towards COVID-19 pandemic among health workers in Bosaso, Somalia. We used convenience sampling techniques in this research. Then, we distributed questionnaires via Google Forms Online to select eligible participants, focused on those who were available and willing to participate in this study. The researchers continuously monitor the completion and submission of questionnaires from accomplished respondents. This study was analyzed using a descriptive statistics approach, and SPSS software version 25 was utilized. Results: A total of 142 health workers completed the questionnaires. More than 59% were female, while 41% were male. Most health workers 83% had good knowledge about COVID-19 transmission, while 17% had poor knowledge. Moreover, knowledge regarding signs, symptoms, and at-risk groups was generally satisfactory. However, a gap exists in the use of early antibiotics to take preventive measures against COVID-19 patients. Overall, 59.7% of health workers had a positive attitude towards the disease, although gaps have been identified as 21.1% health workers believe that being Muslim has less at risk for the COVID-19 occurrence. Majority of health workers were practicing frequent handwashing, using a complete set of PPE and wearing a mask when going to public places. Conclusion: Health workers in Bosaso demonstrated good knowledge, positive attitude and satisfactory infection prevention and control practices. The study recommends that the government prioritize behaviors in the dissemination of evidence-based information to healthcare professionals to increase their knowledge of preventive measures and their precautionary practices during health service delivery. In addition, policymakers and other stakeholders should prioritize awareness campaigns on COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control in advance. Further research at the study site is also advised.
    VL  - 9
    IS  - 4
    ER  - 

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Author Information
  • Postgraduate Department, Kampala University, Bosaso, Somalia

  • Department of Family Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Mogadishu, Somalia

  • World Health Organization, Garowe, Somalia

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