This is the first study to evaluate health students’ preparedness for the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa
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It provides empirical evidence on preparedness towards future pandemics
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Students had good knowledge of the cause, transmission and prevention of COVID-19
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Nursing curricula adequately prepare students for infection prevention, e.g. COVID-19
ABSTRACT
Objective
We assessed the knowledge, preparedness, and attitude of health profession students towards COVID-19 outbreak in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Methods
This cross-sectional study used convenience sampling to recruit participants from institutions under African Forum for Research and Education in Health (AFREhealth). The survey was developed in QuestionPro software covering the participants’ socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, and preparedness towards the COVID-19 outbreak. Data were analysed and the association between variables was tested.
Results
The mean age of the 336 students was 25•75 (±7•88) years. Most (99•7%) knew the cause of COVID-19 which could be transmitted via droplets (97•3%). Several participants vowed to adhere to preventive measures (92•3%) and claimed their curriculum equipped them with skills addressing infectious disease outbreaks (63•6%). Nursing students were better prepared than other students (p=0•001). Students from West African regions were more prepared (p=0•001) and aware they could contract COVID-19 if they cared for infected persons (p=0•001).
Conclusion
Students are knowledgeable about COVID-19, adequately prepared to handle epidemics, have a positive attitude towards infection prevention, and their training institutions and government have taken adequate measures to address the COVID-19 outbreak.
