KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE PRACTICES TOWARDS SPECIAL OPERATING PROCEDURES ON COVID-19 PREVENTION AMONG HEALTH WORKERS AT BUKAKATA HEALTH CENTER, MASAKA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background.

The study aimed to assess; the knowledge, attitude, and practices towards SOPs on covid 19 prevention among health workers at Bukakata Health Center III, Masaka district.

 Methodology.

A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed with a quantitative approach. Data was collected from a sample of 50 respondents using a semi-structured questionnaire; results were systematically computed into frequency and percentages using Microsoft Excel to generate tables and figures for easy presentations.

 Results.

Results from the study showed that 50% of the respondents were aged (40-45) years, 52% were females and about 34% were Baganda by tribe. (96%) of the participants had ever heard about SOPs on COVID-19 prevention and (60%) said they obtained the information from social media. (40%) knew viruses as the causative agent. About (94%) agreed that covid 19 SOPs can reduce the spread of covid 19 and (60%) believed that at one time they could be infected with covid 19 however, (80%) disagreed with isolation as an effective way of preventing the spread of covid 19. close (70%) used to put on face masks and (50%) used to use alcohol-based sanitizers as a preventive measure against covid 19.

 Conclusion.

Generally, study participants exhibited fair knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward SOPs on COVID-19 prevention. Many knew viruses as the causative agent and most had a strong belief that hand washing can prevent the spread of covid 19. Quite a number mentioned putting on masks and regular use of alcohol-based sanitizer as the most common practices against covid 19 prevention.

 Recommendation.

There should be adequate sensitization of health workers by MOH on different SOPs used in COVID-19 prevention.

We are increasing the supply of personal protective equipment in health centers by the MOH.