Awareness of MERS-CoV among Staff Members of Prince Sultan Military Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

aman, s.; Aljaber, M. I.; Alwehaibi, A. I.; Aman, F. H.; Algaeed, H. A.; Almasoud, S. M.; Alahmari, M. A.; Al Hussain, O.; Elhag, A.

doi:10.1101/474205

bioRxiv · 10.1101/474205

Awareness of MERS-CoV among Staff Members of Prince Sultan Military Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

aman, s.·Aljaber, M. I.·Alwehaibi, A. I.·Aman, F. H.·Algaeed, H. A.·Almasoud, S. M.·Alahmari, M. A.·Al Hussain, O.·Elhag, A.

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Abstract

BackgroundThe Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) developed infections that caused serious epidemics. Special priority of awareness and prompt initiative involvement of health workers (HW) during such intensified health situation necessitated an assessment of their preparedness, appropriate attitudes and protective strategies for better efficiency modes and acceleration during emergency.\n\nMethodsHW of Prince Sultan Military Medical city in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were reviewed through specifically designed questionnaires to acquire the demanded data. It included clinical and demographic information about the viral diseases, associated signs and symptoms, transmission and protection, and attitudes about the MERS-CoV disease.\n\nResultsThe study was accomplished between August and November, 2017 and 477 participants of the medical city, successfully completed the study questionnaire (Appendix I). Females represented a majority and there was an indirectly proportional decrease with the increasing age. Gradual educational increase levels reflected dominance of the university degree holders. Jobs were dominated by nurses and non-Saudis were a majority whilst, the highly experienced, (>10 years) were a minority. A majority recognized the viral transmission methods, popular information sources of MERS-CoV and associated medical terms. Highest scores were observed in dealing with protective aids and recognizing symptoms of disease. High adherence to hand hygiene protocols and correct washing steps were recorded. Correct and high levels were observed in taking preventive measures and avoiding infection. Participants responded correctly to negative and wrong actions that patients should refrain from. High scores were observed in taking appreciable attitudes towards oneself and towards others.\n\nConclusionsExpatriates were majority and nurses were dominant which, necessitates Saudization of this sector. Ministry of health pamphlets and seminars were of less impact in invigilating HW, hence, more attention and efforts are demanded. HW were quite aware of the basic and emergent health policies during epidemic episodes of MERS-CoV.

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aman, s., Aljaber, M. I., Alwehaibi, A. I., Aman, F. H., Algaeed, H. A., Almasoud, S. M., Alahmari, M. A., Al Hussain, O., Elhag, A.. 2018-11-19. Awareness of MERS-CoV among Staff Members of Prince Sultan Military Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. https://doi.org/10.1101/474205

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