Preparedness level and associated factors of health professionals regarding COVID-19.

Objective: To assess the level of preparedness of health professionals working in South Gondar Zone public hospital, Debre Tabor Comprehensive specialized Hospital for coronavirus.

Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional survey was conducted with a self-administered questionnaire from April 20 to May 20. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, bivariable, and multivariable logistic analysis were done. Bivariable and multivariable regression was held to determine significant predictors for preparedness. For all statistical analyses, a p value ⩽ 0.05 was considered as significant.

Results: From a total health professionals, 301 health professionals with a response rate of 86% participated in the study. Among these, 206 were males while 95 participants were females with a mean age of 29.71 ± 5.84 years. To determine the preparedness level, we use the mean preparedness score of the respondents. Around 64.1% of health professionals were well prepared. Among 20 respondents who had a chronic illness, 80% of them think their illness is risky for the pandemic. The majority of the respondents (229/76.1%) responded as they were working without protective equipment. From the multivariable analysis male sex (adjusted odds ratio = 2.07, 95% confidence interval = 1.193-3.590), family living with them (adjusted odds ratio = 4.507, 95% confidence interval = 1.863-10.90), and involvement of other previous outbreak (adjusted odds ratio = 2.245, 95% confidence interval = 1.176-4.286) were the predictors for good preparedness.

Conclusion: Most of the health professionals were well prepared. Being male, living within a family, and involvement of other outbreaks leads to good preparation. Governmental bodies and hospital managers have to help health professionals to be prepared enough to combat the pandemic.