Evaluation Nurses' Knowledge and Attitudes about the Prevention of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 at Emergency Units in Government Hospitals in Baghdad city / Iraq

Abstract

Background: The infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is highly contagious and causes the death of millions of people globally. Preventive measures related to Covid-19 are the firm foundation in fighting the infection. Nurses in the frontline of healthcare systems are at the greatest risk of exposure to Covid-19 therefore, they need high preparedness for success in struggles against it.

Aims of the study: This study aims to evaluate the level of nurses' knowledge and attitudes about infection prevention and control concerning Covid-19 in emergency units of government hospitals in Baghdad city / Iraq.

Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study based on survey design is conducted through the period of November 2th 2020 to March 10th 2021 to evaluate nurses' knowledge and attitudes about the prevention of the Covid-19 at emergency units in government hospitals in the city of Baghdad / Iraq. The study sample was purposive (non-probability) sample (Eight hundred and seventeen) nurses, By the Self-administered questionnaire (SAQs) method; data of the study were collected. The survey was included all three major governmental health institutions hospitals (AlRusafa, Alkarkh, and Medical city) in Baghdad city / Iraq.

Results: The results demonstrated the significant relationship between nurses' knowledge level and variables of age group, experience in work, sites of Hospitals and female gender. Also, the study indicated that insufficient knowledge of the participants and a high positive level of their attitudes regarding the prevention of Covid-19 in emergency units in the city of Baghdad. However, the overall assessment of the knowledge and attitudes of the nurses was high when it was computed together.

Conclusion: The nurses at emergency units (front lines) haven't sufficient knowledge about Covid-19 and its prevention, which affects their preparations in the fight against the epidemic.

Recommendations: The study recommends that nurses develop their knowledge and continue to improve positive attitudes about infection prevention and control towards Covid-19.