Publication:

Perception and attitude of COVID-19 health workers and their family members

Background Work and family environment play important role in coping with stressful conditions due to COVID-19. This study was conducted to identify the perception and attitude of health workers engaged in management of COVID-19 along with the family members.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at tertiary care center through a self-administered online survey among health worker engaged in management of COVID-19 and with their family members.  Data through Google forms were collected from 150 participants who consented to participate in the study. The study guaranteed anonymity and consent was sought from participant prior to participation.

Results A total 150 participants surveyed, out of them 75 [42 (56.2%) females and 33 (43.8%) males] were healthcare workers and 75 [38 (50.7%) females and 37 (49.3%) males] were family members. Around 50% of healthcare workers agreed that they were facing interference in daily routine as a result of involvement in COVID-19 related duties and 31% were afraid that they might get COVID-19 infection as result of current posting or duties. Around 35% of family members agreed that their other family members will also get COVID-19 infection because COVID-19 posting. Comparative mean perception towards healthcare workers and their family members showed non-significant difference (t=0.0739; p=0.4714).

Conclusions This study illustrated the concerns of health workers engaged in COVID-19 management and their family members. Strategies for providing health education and necessary support for plummeting perception of the fear of infection can be planned for improving phycological and social wellbeing of HCW and their family members.