Author :
Sarita Mulkalwar, Saurabh Ashok Sujanyal, Sudhir L Jadhav, Alhad Mulkalwar, Bhalchandra Rane, A V Tilak, Vishwanath Kulkarni
Volume :
6
Issue :
2
Abstract :
Context: COVID 19 or Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 continues to spread globally due
to its high transmissibility. The rapid and extensive spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has become a major
cause of concern.
Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the use of Personal Protective Equipment among the doctors
deployed in COVID-19 duty in the state of Maharashtra, India and the factors affecting it.
Settings and Design: This was a cross sectional, questionnaire-based study. The study population consisted
of doctors including residents and interns who were engaged in the government and private practice in the
state of Maharashtra.
Materials and Methods: 146 health professionals participated in the study, out of which 122 were
considered for analysis. A self-designed, pre-validated questionnaire was administered to them. The
questionnaire was divided into 3 sections which included questions regarding professional details, the use
of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and factors affecting it.
Statistical Analysis used: Statistical analysis was done using Descriptive statistical test such as Chi square
test and Odds ratio (OR).
Results: 84.4% of the participants were using PPE appropriately as per guidelines by the Indian Ministry of
Health and FamilyWelfare on "The Rational Use of Personal Protective Equipment". 86.8% had awareness
regarding these guidelines. 62.3% of the health professionals had received training regarding its usage.
17.2% reported that PPE were rarely available in the hospital, while for 44.3% PPEs were provided
sometimes. There was a statistically significant association of appropriate use of PPE with awareness
(p=0.026) training (p=0.025), and availability (p=0.001).
Conclusion: Significant association of use of PPEs with their availability in the hospital, awareness about
the guidelines and training provided was seen. There is an urgent need to promote a strong culture of safety
in the health care system via educational and training programs.
Key Message: The present study shows that most of the subjects were using PPE appropriately as per
the guidelines issued by Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, yet there were significant gaps in
some of the important aspects such as availability in hospital, awareness about the guidelines and training
provided. These findings clearly indicate the importance of promoting a strong culture of safety via health
education and training programs across all healthcare professionals.