Knowledge and Preparedness on Corona Virus Pandemic among Healthcare Workers in Igembe South Health Facilities, Meru County, Kenya

Worldwide Corona virus outbreak has cause panic and enormous health and economic effects due to inadequate or lack of appropriate information about COVID -19.

Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the Level of knowledge and Preparedness to Corona Virus (COVID –19) Pandemic among Health Workers in Igembe South, Meru County, Kenya.

Study Design: This was cross-sectional study was conducted to determine their Knowledge and Preparedness among HCWs on COVID-19 pandemic.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Igembe South Health Facilities between March and June 2020.

Methodology: A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted in Igembe South Sub County of Meru County from March 2020 to June 2020 among 87 Health Care Workers to determine their Knowledge and Preparedness on COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected using structured Likert’s Scale questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was performed to obtain frequencies and distribution of the variables.

Results: The results shows that eight seven (87) health care workers with mean age of 34± 9 (SD) years with a minimum age of 19 years and maximum age of 60 years were recruited responded to the questions of the study. Among the 87 participants, 51 (58.6%) had at least a bachelor's degree, 30 (34.5%) participants had a diploma and 6 (6.9%) participants had a certificate. About 32 (36.8%) of the participants were nurses. Other professional disciplines included nutritionists, records officers, supporting staff, social workers among others. Majority of the facilities acknowledged receiving Ministry of Health guidelines and protocols on COVID-19 case management. Regarding knowledge of COVID -19 Almost half (48.3%) of the participants somewhat agreed that health care workers had knowledge of Corona Virus Pandemic, however, most of the respondents (50.6%) strongly disagreed that they are equipped with adequate Knowledge to manage severe Corona Case compared to (8%) respondents who strongly agreed that Corona Virus Incubation period is an average of 7 days and maximum of 14 days.

Conclusion: The study concludes that knowledge and preparedness level on COVID - 19 was above average, however, there is need for continuous professional development (CPD) training and support supervision for HCWs to ensure maintenance of appropriate practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study further concludes that those with knowledge and are conversant with their respective areas of practice are at less risk, considering that inadequate knowledge is not only a risk factor for poor delivery of WHO approved COVID -19 guidelines met to prevent the spread of COVID -19, but also increases the occupational risk to health care workers.