Knowledge, Attitude and Preparedness of Healthcare Workers Toward an Outbreak of Ebola Viral Disease

Background: Preparedness is key in terms of the healthcare system capacity to react appropriately to an outbreak of any infectious disease in epidemic proportion. Following the Ebola viral disease outbreak that started in West Africa around 2014, which subsequently spread to the DR Congo, with high mortality rates largely attributed to unpreparedness among the healthcare workers, the need for getting all stakeholders involved in healthcare services to be prepared for possible disease outbreaks can never be overemphasized and has since been recognized in many countries including South Africa. This study was conducted to describe the knowledge, attitude and preparedness of healthcare workers towards a possible outbreak of Ebola viral disease at a large private health institution in Pretoria. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaires among a conveniently sampled 150 healthcare workers at a large private hospital. A total of 133 valid questionnaires were collected (response rate = 89%). The data was analyzed with SPSS and results presented using percentages, proportions, and frequency tables. Results: The finding revealed more female (93%) than male, modal age-group was 31-40yr (37%), and most were African (89%). The perceived lack clinical experts who could manage EVD and the fear of contracting the disease were the main concerns of these health professionals. Majority of the participants demonstrated only basic knowledge of EVD but acknowledged the readiness of the nation’s health system to deal with any outbreaks. Conclusion: The participants’ insufficient understanding of some aspects of the EVD showed the gaps in their knowledge and the apparent unpreparedness for possible Ebola outbreaks. Therefore, there is need for further education and training among the healthcare workers about how EVD is transmitted and the appropriate measures of disease control and prevention applicable to Ebola virus disease.