Knowledge Attitude and Practices amongst Nursing Professionals of Central India during COVID-19 pandemic: A Cross Sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Nurses being important frontline workers can also be a part of infection transmission chain
which can be prevented by assessing gaps in their KAP. This study aimed to assess the awareness regarding
COVID-19, attitude and coherence to the existing practices amongst nursing professionals of Madhya Pradesh
during COVID -19 pandemic. Methods: A questionnaire was prepared based on the guidelines of
WHO/ICMR and was circulated via internet to nursing professionals working in either government /private
sector medical institutes between 1
st
th
May and 30
June 2020. Knowledge, attitude, practices and stress levels
were assessed. Results: Nursing professionals from 35 districts of Madhya Pradesh participated and the
average age was 29 years. The study showed average knowledge score (56% correct rate) with majority
showing optimistic attitude and reasonable practices in fight against the pandemic. Health care training
showed significant positive correlation with KAP. Public sector staff excelled more on knowledge scale,
showed more positive attitudes and safer practices. Pessimistic attitudes and inauthentic practices showed
significant correlation with poor knowledge scores. Majority of the nurses (78%) showed moderate to severe
stress.