The Level of Knowledge, Attitude, and Performance of Healthcare Personnel in COVID-۱۹ Hospitals Regarding the Use of Respiratory Protection Equipment

Background: The present study was performed to investigate the level of knowledge, attitude, and performance of healthcare personnel working in COVID-۱۹ hospitals in Mashhad regarding the use of respiratory protection equipment. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on ۵۳۶ personnel working in hospitals admitting COVID-۱۹ patients in Mashhad, Iran. The participants completed a questionnaire containing data related to the knowledge, attitude, and performance of healthcare workers regarding the use of respiratory protection equipment. Results: According to the results, the evaluated knowledge levels were weak (۱.۱%), moderate (۳۲.۷%), and good (۶۶.۲%). Moreover, the levels of attitude were moderate (۷.۹%) and good (۹۲.۱%). In addition, the performance showed moderate (۳.۶%) and good (۹۶.۴%) levels. The mean score of knowledge was significantly higher among employees over ۳۵ years of age (P<۰.۰۰۱), employees with ۱۰ years or more work experience (P<۰.۰۰۱), and among males, compared to females (P<۰.۰۰۱). The mean score of performance was also significantly higher in males than in female employees (P<۰.۰۰۱), in married, compared to single employees (P<۰.۰۰۱), and among individuals who had close contact with a COVID-۱۹ patient (P<۰.۰۰۱). Conclusion: According to the results of the study, there was an acceptable level of knowledge, attitude, and performance among healthcare personnel working in the COVID-۱۹ hospitals of Mashhad regarding the use of respiratory protection equipment. However, more training in this field seems useful, especially for people with less experience and age.