Investigating potential risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 transmission to healthcare workers in Malawi
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Date
2021-10-12
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
Abstract
Covid-19 is a disease caused by a new strain of corona virus. Formally this disease was
referred to as 2019 novel corona virus or 2019 nCoV. The covid-19 virus is a new virus
linked to the same family of viruses as severe acute respiratory syndrome [SARS] and
some types of common cold.
As with other respiratory infections like flue or the common cold, public health
measures are critical to slow the spread of the virus. The measures that are in place to
aid in the prevention of the spread of the virus include; staying home when sick,
covering mouth and nose with a flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing, washing
hands often with soap and water and frequent cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.
People who are at a greater risk include health care workers, children, the elderly and
those with comorbidities such as diabetes and heart disease. Currently there is no
available treatment but a number of vaccines have been developed. There are risk
factors of COVID-19 infection to different groups of people. These risk factors vary
among individuals due to their occupation, life style, ignorance and many more. This
study will aim at investigating the potential risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 transmission to
healthcare workers in Malawi.
Study type
This will be a descriptive observational study
Research problem
This research will aim investigating the potential risk factors for COVID-19 transmission
to healthcare workers
Research objectives
The objectives of this research are; to evaluate risks of COVID-19 spread at work and in
homes of healthcare workers and to assess adherence to COVID-19 infection control
measures at workplace and in homes.
Methodology
The sample size will be 46 and the participants will be selected using convenience
sampling technique. Data will be collected using questionnaires that will be
administered to the participants and analyzed using statistical packages like Wilcoxon
signed rank test and student t test.Expected findings
We expect to find a number of risk factors that predisposes healthcare workers to
COVID-19 infection. Dissemination of results:
The results shall be presented in form of graphs, tables and pie charts. The final copy of
the research shall be sent to; the research supervisors, COMREC and the head of
department of medical laboratory sciences