Abstract:

INTRODUCTION: Protective measures for health workers, who have delicate roles throughout the pandemic, have been a part of the precautions taken since the onset of the first COVID-19 case in our country. In this context, countrywide precautions taken specifically to primary health care workers would be examined with a predominance on personal protective equipment (PPE). METHODS: In our study, the details of PPE delivery (surgical mask, N95 mask, eye wears, gloves, surgical overalls, disinfectant, face-shield) to 3996 personnel in 25 family health centers of Ankara and 2380 personnel working for District Health Directorates/Public Health Centers/Integrated State Hospitals during the study interval were given. The distribution of COVID-19 positivity among primary health care workers based on the place and institute worked and the comparison of PCR test results for family health center personnel formerly tested positive by Rapid Antigen Test was compared. RESULTS: In our city, 1,023,850 surgical masks, 96,627 N95 masks, 8,439 eye wears, 1,995,230 gloves, 62,805 surgical overalls, 11,961 L disinfectant, and 2,961 face-shields were distributed to the family health center and district personnel. 14 out of the 691 COVID-19 (+) cases amongst 53,124 health workers were primary health care workers. In 1,568 family physicians; 1,531 family healthcare personnel; 897 group personnel and 2,380 District Health Directorates/Public Health Centers/Integrated State Hospital personnel; 7,2,3 and 2 positive cases were observed, respectively. PCR testing was performed for the 27 family health center personnel (0.65%) out of 4,156 who tested positive by the formerly applied Rapid Antigen Test and only 2 came as PCR (+). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In Ankara, logistical support is prioritized to enforce primary healthcare staff and to effectively implement the preventive measures during the COVID-19 struggle.

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