Factors associated with preventive practices of COVID-19 among health care workers in Dilla University Hospital, Southern Ethiopia

Implementation of prevention measures is essential for decreasing COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. In health care settings, wearing face masks, avoiding handshakes and spitting, and thoroughly washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub have been recommended as preventive measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Therefore, this study aimed to assess factors associated with COVID-19 prevention practices among health care workers at Dilla university hospital in Southern Ethiopia. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 238 health care workers in Dilla university hospital from June 13, 2021- July 12, 2021. A stratified random sampling techniques were used to select study participants. Data were collected by using pre-tested structured self-administered questionnaires. A binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors related to COVID-19 prevention practice among health care professionals. For statistical significance factors with p-value less than 0.05, an Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was calculated and interpreted. One hundred thirty-four participants [56.3%, 95% CI: 50 - 60.3%] had good COVID-19 prevention practices. Being a frontline worker [AOR=12.6, 95% CI: 3.9–41.6], being female [AOR= 0.7, 95% CI: 0.35–0.84], being a nurse [AOR= 8, 95% CI: 2.4–27], and implementation of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) guideline [AOR = 4.0, 95% CI: 1.56–10.08] were all factors associated with good COVID-19 prevention practice. COVID-19 prevention practices were low among healthcare professionals in the study settings. Being frontline worker, being a nurse, being female, and implementation of IPC guidelines were all associated with COVID-19 preventive measures practices among health care workers. Health care workers may need to improve the way and habit of practicing prevention methods towards COVID-19.