Attitudes of Healthcare Professionals Toward the Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19 After the Outbreak
Keywords:
attitude, healthcare professionals, after the COVID-19 outbreakAbstract
Background and Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) continues to pose a significant health concern that requires ongoing vigilance. However, data on the attitudes of healthcare professionals (HCPs) post-pandemic remain limited. This study aims to explore the attitudes of HCPs and the factors associated with these attitudes.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Srinagarind Hospital, Queen Sirikit Heart Center of Northeastern, and Sawangdandin Crown Prince Hospital over two months. A total of 668 participants were selected using a purposive sampling method. The questionnaire used a 5-point scale to rate opinions. The total attitude scores were classified into three categories: low, moderate, and high.
Results: The majority of respondents were nurses, comprising 69.5%, followed by physicians and pharmacists (20.9% and 9.6%, respectively). Most had a moderate attitude towards COVID-19 prevention and treatment after the outbreak (71.7%). A large proportion agreed that consultations on disease, medication, and vaccines against COVID-19 were beneficial to patients (89.1%), with 85.3% supporting regular medication counseling to improve patient care. Additionally, 80.5% recognized that improved screening and surveillance systems helped reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that attending COVID-19 training or conferences three or more times was independently associated with attitudes toward prevention and treatment in the post-pandemic period (AOR= 2.67, 95% CI: 1.56-4.56)
Conclusion: Most HCPs have a moderate attitude. Promoting COVID-19 training or conferences is a key factor in enhancing positive attitudes and improving work performance.
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