Publication:

Enhancing the health coverage in India by empowering the corona warriors through educational intervention

Background The aim of the study was to assess the effect of the training program on knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) related to prevention and management of COVID-19.

Methods A pre-post study was conducted among healthcare workers (HCWs) attending ten-days online training program from 29 April to 30 November, 2020. A 37-item questionnaire assessing knowledge (26-items), attitude (6-items) and practice (5-itmes) was administered to the participants before and after the training program. Total score of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) was 27, 12 and 20 respectively. Paired t test was used to assess the effect of training on KAP. Association of pre-training KAP with demographic variables was performed using SPSSv-22.

Results A total of 1428 HCWs were trained across 25 states through nine trainings; however, the data was analysed for only 1167 HCWs (response rate: 82%). Mean age of participants was 30.96±6.62 years and 77.29% were females. Mean KAP scores in pre-training were found to be 17.46±3.24 out of 27, 9.94±1.56 out of 12 and 19.01±1.76 out of 20 respectively which significantly increased to 21.28±3.65, 10.35±1.48 and 19.37±1.49 after attending training program. Pre-knowledge score was found to be associated with age, years of experience, geographical location, type of facility, presence of COVID-19 related facilities in the place of working.

Conclusions Comprehensively designed training program enhanced the knowledge about prevention and management of COVID-19 in HCWs and also motivated them to maintain an optimistic attitude and good practices while managing the patients.