Abstract:

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been declared a global public health emergency which is affecting people across the world. Health care professionals and their working environment are in close by vicinity to the patient. The chance of cross-contamination and spread of infection is high if proper infection control measures are not taken. Aim:  The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of medical and dental practitioners on infection control during the COVID-2019 pandemic. Materials and Method: A self administered questionnaire was formulated and circulated online among health care practitioners. Questionnaire consisted of questions on knowledge, attitude and practice regarding infection control on COVID-19 pandemic. A scoring criteria was set, giving score 1 to the correct answer and score 0 to the incorrect answer. Total scores were calculated and levels of knowledge, attitude and practice were assessed. Mean scores for medical and dental practitioners were also assessed and compared. Result: Total 80% of the total participants had not received training on infection prevention and control practices specifically for COVID-19. Only 19.3%, 4.7%, 9.5% participants scored maximum scores for knowledge, attitude and practice, respectively. Majority of the participants (around 80%) had good attitude towards infection control regarding Covid-19 pandemic. Conclusion: There is a need for specific training on infection prevention and control on COVID-19 for health care professionals. Supply of personal protective equipment materials required for infection control against COVID-19 in health care facility should improve to combat against this pandemic.

Keywords: