Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices regarding COVID-۱۹ (Coronavirus) Infection Control and Prevention among Radiology Staff; a perspective from largest private tertiary care Hospital in Pakistan.

Corona Virus Disease (COVID-۱۹) has affected radiology practices globally. X-ray, followed by Computed Tomography (CT), has become a gold standard examination for diagnosis. Best practices for safe imaging of patients with COVID-۱۹ infection require appropriate screenings, disinfection of equipment, and use of personal protection equipment. Our survey assessed radiology staff's knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward COVID-۱۹ infection control and prevention. A cross-sectional single-center survey was performed in the Radiology Department of Aga Khan University Hospital between June ۰۱, ۲۰۲۰, and July ۰۱, ۲۰۲۰. A self-administered validated questionnaire was designed and administered. Cronbach’s Alpha was applied to measure the internal consistency and reliability; ۰.۸ was achieved for the Knowledge and Practice sections, respectively, while ۰.۷ was for the attitude section. Most participants (۸۶%) had adequate knowledge about COVID-۱۹. A significant association with higher knowledge scores was found among the seniors in terms of rank and education as compared to junior staff. Overall, ۷۵.۴% of the participants have a positive attitude towards corona virus (COVID-۱۹) infection control and prevention; significance was found between the education level, working hours, and positive attitudes. Most of the female participants, department seniors, front-line workers, and people with >۵۰ work hours/week had their practices more aligned with global guidelines than other groups. In conclusion, the knowledge, attitude, and methods of most of the people working in the radiology department were adequate and representative of safe practices. The mean scores of junior staff were still lower, and there is room for improvement via awareness sessions and factful discussions.

کلیدواژه ها:

radiology ، Attitude ، knowledge ، COVID ، practice