Factors Associated with Perceived Fear of COVID-19 in Penang, Malaysia: A Healthcare Professionals Survey
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31674/mjn.2023.v14i04.016Abstract
Background: This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to assess the perceived fear of handling coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases and its associated factors among healthcare professionals in two major hospitals in Penang, Malaysia, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Healthcare professionals working in clinical divisions, departments, and outpatient settings at Penang General Hospital and Seberang Jaya Hospital participated in this study. A total of 326 healthcare professionals who worked at these hospitals, aged between 20 and 58, were recruited between October 2020 and February 2021. The data was collected using a questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of the validated COVID-19 scale. It also assessed 18 occupational risk exposures and socio-demographic characteristics. Results: Of the total 326 healthcare professionals surveyed, 172 (52.8%) perceived fear. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age, working department (discipline), working divisions, administering medications, and giving nebulizers to patients were significantly associated with perceived fear. In addition, socio-demographics and occupational risk exposures were essential correlates of fear among healthcare professionals when handling COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: The results of this study point to the necessity of increasing medical facilities and hiring more skilled healthcare workers to manage newly emerging and reemerging infectious illnesses in the healthcare environment.
Keywords:
Healthcare Professionals, Pandemic, COVID-19, FearDownloads
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