KNOWLEDGE AND UTILIZATION OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AMONG HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Objective: Given the severe consequences associated with this disease, the present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the availability and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among healthcare workers and medical students.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Data were collected through a self-administered online questionnaire completed by participants in direct contact with COVID-19 patients, including doctors, medical students, nurses, and paramedical staff. The study was carried out in various medical colleges and hospitals across Lahore over a one-week period (26/05/2021 – 04/06/2021). Data analysis was performed using SPSS Version 22, and findings were compared against guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO). Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Ethics Review Committee of the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department, Lahore.

Results: A total of 604 responses were analyzed, with a mean participant age of 31 ± 9.3 years; 323 (53.5%) were male. The majority of responses were from doctors (68.4%). Only 244 (40.5%) participants reported prior exposure to PPE. Nearly all respondents were unaware of the WHO guidelines for PPE use and its conservation strategies during times of shortage. The combination of inadequate knowledge and limited proficiency in PPE use placed additional strain on already scarce PPE resources. As WHO recommendations for PPE use during the pandemic evolved with emerging evidence, the rapid depletion of PPE supplies prompted global measures to implement conservation strategies.

Conclusion: PPE is a critical component for ensuring the safety of healthcare workers and should be used in accordance with established guidelines. This study highlights a significant gap in awareness and proper use of PPE, underscoring the need for targeted educational interventions.