KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE CHEMOPROPHYLAXIS IN HEALTH CARE WORKERS FOR COVID 19

Dr. Tushar R. Bagle MBBS, M. D, *Dr. Pooja A. Baviskar MBBS, M. D, Dr. Milind R. Ubale MBBS, M. D, Dr. Bhimrao S. Jadhav MBBS, M. D, Dr. Prasita P. Kshirsagar, MBBS, M. D, Dr. Vijay A. Vare MBBS, M. D, Dr. Rohankumar C. Hire MBBS, M. D AND Dr. Mahesh R. More MBBS, D. N. B

ABSTRACT

Background: Healthcare workers (HCW) are most susceptible to COVID 19 infection than the general population. ICMR has advised Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) chemoprophylaxis for healthcare workers in COVID19. The aim of this study is to assess awareness of HCQ chemoprophylaxis for COVID19. Material and Methods: HCW willing to take chemoprophylaxis were given HCQ after due written consent under medical supervision. Knowledge, attitude and chemoprophylaxis questionnaire was validated by Chemoprophylaxis committee. HCW satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included after consent. Total of 280 subjects were included; out of this 140 were doctors and 140 were HCW other than doctors. Results: The mean age of HCW was 31.42 ± 7.87 years. There were 126 females and 154 males. 204(72.86%) HCW had accepted HCQ for Covid 19 prophylaxis. 236(84.29%) HCW followed government websites for knowledge of Covid 19. Other than HCQ, Vitamin C 208(72.5%) and Ivermectin 23(8.21%) were used for Covid19 chemoprophylaxis. 29(10.36%) of HCW had started HCQ self medication. 47(9.79%) forgot to take medicine and 35(12.5%) developed side effects. In 22(7.86%), Epigastric discomfort was the major side effect reported. 62 (22.14%) had taken medicines for adverse effects due to HCQ. 24(8.58%) had done investigation before taking prophylaxis. 262(93.57%) had taken prophylaxis in order to protect family members and 251 (89.64%) had taken as there is no definite treatment of Covid19. 219(78.21%) feel family members should also be given Covid 19 prophylaxis. Conclusion: Knowledge, attitude and practice of HCW regarding HCQ chemoprophylaxis was found to be inadequate. Doctors had more knowledge than other HCW but the attitude and practice were the same for all HCW. There is need for training for HCW availing Covid 19 duty.

Keywords: Hydroxychloroquine, Covid 19, Chemoprophylaxis, Self medication.