Knowledge, Attitude, And Practices Regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Infection Control and Prevention among Radiology Staff; a Perspective from Largest Private Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan.

The global impact of the novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) on radiology practices has been significant. X-ray followed by Computed Tomography (CT) has become the gold standard of examination. In order to ensure the safety of patients with a confirmed case of the novel coronavirus, it is imperative that appropriate screening procedures, disinfection of equipment, and the use of personal protection equipment are implemented. The objective of the present survey was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of radiology staff with regard to the control and prevention of infection by the virus known as SARS-CoV-2, or to its most prevalent manifestation, the disease that has been termed "Coronavirus Disease 2019 (henceforth referred to as "Covid-19")". A cross-sectional, single-centre survey was conducted in the Radiology Department of Aga Khan University Hospital between 1 June 2020 and 1 July 2020. The researchers designed and administered a self-administered, validated questionnaire. Cronbach's Alpha was applied to measure the internal consistency and reliability; 0.8 was achieved for the Knowledge and Practice sections, respectively, while 0.7 was achieved for the Attitude section. The majority of participants (86%) demonstrated sufficient knowledge regarding the novel coronavirus. A significant association was identified between higher knowledge scores and seniority, as well as educational attainment, when compared to junior staff. The study revealed that a significant proportion of the participants, amounting to 75.4%, exhibited a favourable attitude towards the measures employed for the control and prevention of the novel strain of the Coronavirus. The investigation further established a correlation between the participants' educational attainment, their working hours, and their positive attitudes. The majority of female participants, senior members of the department, front-line workers, and individuals who work more than 50 hours per week exhibited a greater adherence to global guidelines compared to other groups. In conclusion, the knowledge, attitude, and practices of the majority of the radiology department's personnel were adequate and representative of safe practices. Junior staff demonstrated lower mean scores, indicating potential for enhancement through awareness sessions and fact-based dialogues.