Knowledge,attitudes and practices of protective equipment use during the outbreak, Mahdia (Tunisia)

Introduction Health workers, as the first line of defence during infectious pandemic, are also one of the main vectors of coronavirus transmission. Preventing the spread of infection to and from caregivers relies on the effectiveness of personal protective equipment (PPE). This study aimed at assessing knowledge, attitudes and practices related to PPE use in a healthcare setting in the region of Mahdia (Tunisia). Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out on December 2020 among health care professionals (HCP) in the University Hospital Tahar Sfar Mahdia. The measurement tool was developed by specialists at the Department of Preventive Medicine after reviewing literature then pretested. Results A total of 173 HCP were enrolled with an average age of 35 ±9.3 years. More than half of participants were females (64.7%), 32.9% were doctors and 34.7% were nurses. Among them, 35.8% have worked during a pandemic before. The level of good knowledge was 52%. The main sources of information for HCP were the Ministry of Health (63.6%), social network and media (58.4%). About 25.4% of HCP was satisfied by the preventive measures training received in the hospital. Half of HCP (54.3%) admitted that their knowledge related to the pandemic was not sufficient. While third of the HCP (31.8%) thought that it is necessary to wear the full PPE, 16.8% knew how to put on their PPE and 27.2% knew how to take it off. Conclusions Taking into account knowledge, attitudes and practices related to PPE use allows the implementation of a strategy aimed at mastering the management of this equipment by health care workers. Key messages Assessing the Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to the personal equipment among health care givers: 52%. Implementation of a strategy aimed at mastering the management of this equipment by health care workers.