Global Journal of Nursing & Forensic Studies
Open Access

Abstract

Background: During the first week of March, the fast increase of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases reached over 100 countries with more than 100,000 cases. Healthcare authorities have already initiated awareness and preparedness activities beyond borders. A poor understanding of the disease among pharmacists may result in delayed treatment and the rapid spread of infection. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and attitude and compliance of pharmacists toward COVID-19 infection control. Methods: A descriptive correlation design was used to investigate factors influencing compliance with COVID-19 infection control precaution among pharmacists who was worked between October 2020 and December 2020 in north of Jordan. A 54-item survey instrument was adapted and distributed to pharmacists by face-to-face interviews; it required 10 minutes to complete. A chi square test was used to investigate the level of association among variables at the significance level of p<0.05. Results: Of 300 participants, a total of 266 pharmacists completed the survey (response rate: 88.7%); 34.2% were males, 60.9% were aged 25-34 years, and most were full time pharmacists (72.2%) and senior pharmacists (15.0%). Regarding COVID-19, most of the participants used social media to obtain information (73.3%),and a significant proportion of pharmacists had moderate level of knowledge (61.7%) and showed positive attitudes of COVID-19 prevention and control and have good compliance (25.6%) toward COVID-19 infection control precaution. Factors such as attitude and gender were associated with compliance toward COVID-19 infection control precaution. Conclusion: As the global threat of COVID-19 continues to emerge, it is important to improve the knowledge and perceptions of pharmacists. Educational interventions are needed to reach pharmacists beyond borders, and further studies are warranted. Keywords: Coronavirus, outbreak, COVID-19, knowledge, perceptions, healthcare.

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