PERCEPTION OF RISK OF EXPOSURE TO SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) IN DIFFERENT SECTORS OF HEALTHCARE WORKERS: A CORRELATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Objective: To compare the risk level of COVID-19 among different health care workers.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The research was approved by the Ethics Committee, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi (IRB form no.905/Trg-ABP 1K2). Study was carried out amongst health care workers of Pakistan, from 19th April 2020 to 7th June, 2020

Methodology: An online questionnaire was made on Google Forms Inc. and was distributed online as well as by hand amongst health care workers of Pakistan. The form was filled by 120 (57.1%) doctors and 36.2% dentists (n=76). A sample size of 210 was finalized. The responses were entered in and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Chi-square test was applied to test the relationship between risk level and different sectors of healthcare workers.

Results: Out of 210 responders, 130 were males (61.9%) and 80 were females (38%). According to our study, 64 (84.2%) dentists perceived themselves to be at the highest risk especially those involved in scaling procedures, while only 40% (n=48) doctors considered themselves to be at high risk. Amongst doctors, 61% of house officers (n=22 out of 36) perceived themselves to be at the greatest risk of exposure. 1-5 years of experience category perceived themselves to be at a very high risk (56.9%, n=78). Chi-square test was applied and p-value <0.05 was
significant.

Conclusion: It was concluded that dentists, house officers and young doctors with experience of 1-5 years believed themselves to be at the highest risk. Hence, sustainable measures should be undertaken to protect the health care workers are needed.