Public health workers' knowledge, attitude and practice regarding COVID-19: the impact of Field Epidemiology Training Program in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. (27th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Samy, Sahar; Lami, Faris; Rashak, Hiba Abdulrahman; Al Nsour, Mohannad; Eid, Alaa; Khader, Yousef S; Afifi, Salma; Elfadul, Maisa; Ghaleb, Yasser; Letaief, Hajer; Alaya, Nissaf Ben; Ikram, Aamer; Akhtar, Hashaam; Barkia, Abdelaziz; Taha, Hana Ahmad; Adam, Reema; Saeed, Khwaja Mir Islam; Almudarra, Sami S; Hassany, Mohamed; El Sood, Hanaa Abu; ur Rahman, Fazal; Saaed, Falah Abdul-kader; Hlaiwah, Mohammed Sameer
• Is Part Of: Journal of public health. Volume 43(2021)Supplement 3
• Page Start: iii1
• Page End: iii11
• Publication Date: 2021-09-27
• Subjects: attitude -- COVID-19 -- Field Epidemiology Training Program -- knowledge -- practice; Public health -- Periodicals; Public health -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Medical policy -- Periodicals; Medical policy -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdab240
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1741-3842

Abstract

Abstract: Background: This study aimed to compare knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) regarding COVID-19 between public health workers (PHWs) attended field epidemiology training program (FETP-trained) and those who did not attend FETP (non-FETP trained). Methods: Multi-country cross-sectional survey was conducted among PHWs who participated in COVID-19 pandemic in 10 countries at EMR. Online questionnaire that included demographic information, KAP regarding COVID-19 pandemic was distributed among HCWs. Scoring system was used to quantify the answers, bivariate and Multivariate analysis performed to compare FETP-trained with non-FETP trained PHWs. Results: Overall, 1337 PHWs participated, with 835 (62.4%) < 40 years of age, and 851 (63.6%) males. Of them, 423 (31.6%) had FETP, including that 189 (44.7%) had advanced level, 155 (36.6%) intermediate and 79 (18.7%) basic level training. Compared with non-FETP trained, FETP trained were older, having higher KAP scores. FETP participation was low in infection control, and PH laboratories. KAP mean scores for intermediate level attendees are comparable to advanced level. Conclusions: FETP-trained are having better KAP than non-FETP PHWs. Expanding the intermediate level, maintain the Rapid Response training and introduce the laboratory component are recommended to maximize the benefit from FETP. Infection control, antimicrobial resistance and coordination are areas where training should include.