Impact of education intervention on knowledge of infection control practices among healthcare providers during COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at an increased risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection. There is a need for urgent intervention to incease knowledge and practices related to infection prevention and control (IPC) during the current pandemic. Objectives: The objectives of the current study are to assess knowledge, attitude and practices among HCWs regarding IPC practices related to COVID-19 and whether training session can be used as an effective educational tool to improve knowledge. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among HCWs from Sindh. After assessment of baseline knowledge, attitude and practices via pre test, a virtual session on COVID-19 IPC practices was conducted, which was followed by post test. Results: Among 240 participant, 141 (59%) were frontline workers dealing with patients with COVID-19. Only 76 (31%) had previous training on IPC before pandemic and even during pandemic, few (n=95, 40%) had attended a training workshop. Majority (70.4%) of participants were working in a facility with an established IPC department. There was an overall statistically significant improvement in knowledge before and after the education workshop (p value 90% ). A large number of HCWs (88%) carry hand sanitizers all the time and frequently clean their belongings during current pandemic. Although 75% of HCWs believed that PPE can Aprotect them from contracting infections, a poor compliance of wearing PPE was reported while dealing with patients with COVID-19. Conclusion: Frequent awareness sessions can help in improving knowledge related to infection control and practices among HCWs.