From Flummoxed to Focused: A Mixed-Methods Study of Preventive Practices During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Intern Doctors Working in a Rural Tertiary Care Hospital of Maharashtra, India
Year: 2020
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction: Intern doctors are important in the functioning of a teaching hospital. Their health and sanitation practices can, therefore, influence disease transmission rates. Methods: A simultaneous quantitative + qualitative study was conducted on 110 intern doctors working in a rural tertiary care hospital. Percentage values and Chi-square tests were used to compare responses in male and female interns and triangulation-incorporated qualitative inputs. Results: Overall, the practices were sound, but lapses in the protocol were reported, especially in areas with higher patient footfall. Females were more likely to follow proper hand hygiene ( P = 0.042), use alcohol based sanitizer and keep it on their person ( P = 0.017), use gloves as instructed ( P = 0.02). And males diligently observed social distancing ( P = 0.0001), and followed mobile phone hygiene ( P = 0.003). Conclusion: Despite the scale of pandemic, interns have tried their best to follow guidelines and commonsense measures. Clear protocols, positive reinforcement, and monitoring can prevent lapses in preventive measures.
Institution: Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W3084126602