Risk perception in the era of COVID-19 and related factors among nurses: A cross-sectional study

Risk perception of emergency medical technicians in biological disasters: a comparison between COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 cases

BACKGROUND

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs), positioned at the forefront of medical services, are at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 and passing it on to their families and communities than others. Recognizing the risks associated with this disease can play a crucial role in the care and prevention process. Consequently, this study evaluated the level of risk perception (RP) regarding COVID-19 among EMTs and compared it between those who have contracted the disease and those who have not.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study conducted in 2021. This study employed simple random sampling to select 200 EMTs affiliated with Birjand University of Medical Sciences. The sample included 100 EMTs who had contracted COVID-19 and 100 who had not. Data were collected through a researcher-designed questionnaire, distributed online via WhatsApp and Telegram groups among the participants. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 16, utilizing descriptive statistical methods (frequency, mean, and standard deviation) along with inferential statistical tests such as independent t-tests, chi-square, and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

RESULTS

The infected EMTs exhibited a moderate perception of the risk of COVID-19, while the non-infected EMTs reported a high level of RP. The independent t-test confirmed that the mean total score for COVID-19 RP was significantly lower in the infected EMTs compared to the non-infected group (mean RP score: infected 150.82 ± 32.24 vs. non-infected 161.54 ± 22.50, P = 0.007). Additionally, ANOVA revealed that none of the demographic variables individually had a significant impact on the level of COVID-19 RP (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the interaction effect between the demographic variables and the groups was also insignificant (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

EMTs who contracted COVID-19 had a significantly lower RP compared to their non-infected counterparts. This reduced awareness of COVID-19 risks likely contributed to their infection, highlighting the critical role of RP in disease prevention. Targeted educational programs to enhance RP among EMTs could foster stronger adherence to preventive measures, ultimately reducing infection rates during future biological disasters. Therefore, this study not only contributes to expanding existing knowledge in this field but also assists policymakers and health administrators in improving decision-making to strengthen epidemic preparedness.

Risk perception of healthcare workers in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil

Objectives

To validate the items of the Emotional Impact Questionnaire coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) related to risk perception, estimating its degree, among healthcare workers in the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic, identifying possible associated factors.Methods: cross-sectional study in 1872 healthcare workers of Brazil. The population was characterized by sociodemographic and occupational information, knowledge about COVID-19, quality of information received, risk perception and preventive measures about the disease, and sense of coherence.

Results

Being divorced, having a chronic disease, spending more than 1 h per day getting informed about COVID-19, and always or almost always wearing a mask regardless of symptoms, as well as self-perception of health were associated with high-risk perception. An inverse association was found between risk perception, sense of coherence and not knowing if one has had occasional contact with confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Conclusion

Risk perception is influenced by emotions, experiences, and knowledge. Sense of coherence and resilience have a role in reducing risk perception. Understanding risk perception is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and other similar scenarios.

Risk perception in the era of COVID-19 and related factors among nurses: A cross-sectional study

AIM

Our study aimed at investigating the risk perception of nurses and related factors in the era of COVID-19 period.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Four hundred and forty-two participants completed an online questionnaire relating to their risk perception on public health emergencies. Data were collected between 25 November 2020 and 1 December 2020. Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test and Ordinal logistic regression analysis were used to examine factors impacting on risk perception.

RESULTS

65.2% of nurses' risk perception of COVID-19 was the moderate level even below the moderate level in the postperiod of COVID-19. Kruskal-Wallis test results indicated significant differences in gender, age, education status, working years, professional title, postlevel, COVID-19 contact experience, marital status and health status (p < 0.05). Ordinal logistic regression showed that gender, education status, professional title, work department, COVID-19 contact experience, character, health status and nursing work environment are associated with risk perception (p < 0.05). No Patient or Public Contribution.