Knowledge and practices: Risk perceptions of COVID-19 and satisfaction with preventive measures at workplace among maternity care providers in Pakistan

INTRODUCTION: While all healthcare services across the globe deferred non-urgent surgeries, labor wards provided maternity care during the COVID-19 pandemic continuously. This study assesses the knowledge and practices of obstetricians and midwives about personal protective equipment (PPE); their risk perception of COVID-19 and satisfaction with the preventive measures adopted at their workplace. METHODS: A questionnaire designed according to the World Health Organization’s advice on rational use of personal protective equipment for COVID-19 was administered to 452 Pakistani maternity care providers between 1 July and 30 July 2020. RESULTS: Most (85%) had adequate knowledge and 78.8% had good practices regarding PPE use. The perceived risk of contracting COVID-19 was lower than for influenza and tuberculosis. Perceived risk of contracting COVID-19 was highest for outpatient clinics. Fewer midwives compared to obstetricians (23.3% vs 32.9 %, p=0.001) were satisfied with the job security provided. Only 19.5% were satisfied with the social distancing measures at their setups. Less than one-third (31%) were satisfied with the PPE available to them. CONCLUSIONS: The participants had good knowledge and practices regarding PPE. The perceived risk of contracting COVID-19 was lower than for contracting influenza; however, they were concerned about contracting COVID-19 in outpatient clinics and emergency rooms. They had poor satisfaction with the measures adopted by hospital managements regarding job security and social distancing.