Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare works towards COVID-19: A systematic review

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global health and societal emergency respiratory disease that is caused by SARS-CoV-2. A poor understanding of the disease among Healthcare Workers (HCWs) can result in delayed identification and treatment leading to rapid spread of infections.

Aim: The investigation of the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of HCWs toward COVID-19.

Material and Methods: Search was performed on PubMed for studies published from January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020 with the key-words: “knowledge”, “attitude», “practice”, “COVID19”, ”healthcare workers” and “HCW”, which were searched in the title and abstract of the studies. Studies were excluded if they were not published in English language, were conducted on animals and were case studies, editorials, and letters to the editor.

Results: Of the scientific papers retrieved, 5 were included in the systematic review. Regarding the rate of knowledge of HCWs toward COVID-19, it ranged from 62.6 % to 89%. The rate of HCWs that had good practices and positive attitudes toward COVID-19 ranged from 74% to 89.7% and from 21% to 88.5%, respectively. The factors that positively affected (increase the rate) in statistically significant level the knowledge, attitudes and practices were the age of 40 years old and more, the higher level of education (possession of Master of Science Degree and/or Doctor of Philosophy), the medical profession and the more years of experience.

Conclusions: Continuing professional education is advised among HCWs to improve knowledge of HCWs hence averting negative attitudes and promoting positive preventive and therapeutic practices.

Keywords: knowledge, attitudes, Practice, HCWs, COVID-19