Poor knowledge of COVID-19 and unfavourable perception of the response to the pandemic by healthcare workers at the Bafoussam Regional Hospital (West Region-Cameroon)
Jovanny Tsuala Fouogue, Michel Noubom, Bruno Kenfack, Norbert Tanke Dongmo, Maxime Tabeu, Linda Megozeu, Jean Marie Alima, Yannick Fogoum Fogang, Landry Charles Nyam Rim, Florent Ymélé Fouelifack, Jeanne Hortence Fouedjio, Pamela Leonie Fouogue Nzogning Manebou, Clotaire Damien Bibou Ze, Brice Foubi Kouam, Lauriane Nomene Fomete, Pierre Marie Tebeu, Jean Dupont Kemfang Ngowa, Pascal Foumane, Zacharie Sando, George Enownchong Enow Orock
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: WHO warned against a dramatic impact of COVID-19 in Africa unless adequate response strategies are implemented. Whatever the strategy, the role of health staff is pivotal. Objective: Assess knowledge and perception of the response to COVID-19 among health staff. METHODS: we used a convenience non probabilistic sample to conduct a survey with a self-administered questionnaire from April 14 - 29, 2020 at the Bafoussam Regional Hospital (BRH). All the staff was invited to participate. Analyses were done with Microsoft Excel 2010 and Epi-Info version 7.1.5.2. RESULTS: response rate was 76.1% (464/610). Mean age (SD) was 35.0 (8.9) years. Sex ratio (M/F) was 101/356. Nursing/midwifery staff (56.8%) and in-patients units (49.94%) were predominant. Origin and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 were poorly known while knowledge of clinical signs and the role of laboratory tests were good. For 53.2% of respondents all therapeutic regimens are supportive and only 31.6% trusted state-recommended drugs. For of respondents 36.9%, herbal remedies prevent/cure COVID-19. 70% felt they were not knowledgeable enough to handle COVID-19 cases. 85.6% thought the BRH had insufficient resources to fight COVID-19 and 55.6% were dissatisfied with its response (weaknesses: medicines/technologies (74.5%), service delivery (28.1%), staff (10.9%)). 68% reported insufficient protection on duty. 76.5% reported a drop in non-COVID-19 services. 85.5% said they complied with community preventive measures. For 44% of respondents, regulations on COVID-19 corpses should be made more culture-sensitive. 51.2% of respondents were against vaccine trial in their community. CONCLUSION: knowledge was poor and perception of the response to COVID-19 was unfavorable.