Knowledge, attitude, and practices among Lebanese Obstetricians and gynecologists toward COVID-19 and pregnancy
ABSTRACT
Background:
The pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has seriously disturbed the daily life of the general population, particularly the life of pregnant women. Since obstetricians and gynecologists (OBGYNs) are often the primary health care providers during pregnancy, hence the importance of their critical role in preventing and managing COVID-19 infection in their patients.
Objective:
This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of OBGYNs and to identify existing gaps to be addressed to improve patient and occupational safety.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study, using an online survey, was conducted during the rapid rise of the COVID-19 pandemic in Lebanon over the period extending between 20th October and 20th November 2020 among Lebanese OBGYNs. The analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were computed. A good level of knowledge was defined when the percentage of correct answers reaches more than 80% of the respondents.
Results:
A total of 279 OBGYNs participated in the survey of which 57% were males. The majority of them (64.2%) were aged more than 45 years, married (79.9%) with large work experience (70.3%). Only 28.3% were reluctant to take care of COVID-19 patients. Most of them feared contracting COVID-19 or transmitting COVID-19 to their family member due to occupational exposure and 42.3% felt overwhelmed. 62.7% of them considered that policies implemented by the ministry of public health are sufficient. The majority of OBGYNs had a good level of knowledge in different basic and specific domains related to COVID-19 and pregnancy. Furthermore, a good practice score in all relevant aspects (personal, clinic, and patient) was revealed.
Conclusions:
The high knowledge and practice scores, among Lebanese OBGYNs, disclose a strong commitment from the part of these physicians to fulfill their responsibilities during this pandemic towards themselves and their patients.
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