Assessing knowledge and behavioral pattern of nurses working in wards of four major specialties in Colombo South Teaching Hospital during the COVID-19 outbreak

In the latter part of 2019, a severe respiratory disease was reported in China and was found to be an outbreak of Coronavirus. In March 2020, with the rapid increase of patients in many other countries, World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 as a pandemic.

As one of the frontline workers providing care to patients with COVID-19, nurses are at risk of developing the illness, if not geared up with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The infected number would rise rapidly if no adequate knowledge on basic preventive measures or no appropriate behavior patterns are adopted by the nurses. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st to 31st December 2020, in Colombo South Teaching Hospital to assess knowledge and the impact of the pandemic on the behavioral pattern of nurses using a self-administered questionnaire. The total number of nurses who responded to the study was 155.

Study indicates that nurses have sufficient knowledge of COVID-19, its contagiousness, transmission, prevention, and educating patients. The measures taken by the administration along with the relevant authorities in the institution during the initial phase of the pandemic were helpful to acquire such knowledge. Comprehensive training on donning and doffing of PPEs and other infection prevention practices is recommended as a Continuous Professional Development program.