Browsing by Author "Kamende, Bartholomew"

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    Investigating potential risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 transmission to healthcare workers in Malawi
    (Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, 2021-10-12) Kamende, Bartholomew; Gold, Zione
    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