Infection Control Precautions Application at Home for COVID-19: Families' Caregiver Perception

Research Abstract

Background: Research indicates SARS-CoV originated from civet cats, while the zoonotic source of SARS-CoV-2 is still unidentified. Initial infection control measures reduced hospital transmission, but factors like test sensitivity limitations, symptomatic patient risks, nebulizer use, inconsistent eye protection, variable mask use, shared accommodations, and the index patient’s placement in a positive-pressure room contributed to significant transmission. Aim of the Study: assess families' perception toward the application of infection control precautions with corona virus at home. Research Design: A descriptive research design was applied to this study. Sample: A convenience sample of 170 family caregivers who attended the outpatient clinics within three months, one day/week. Setting: The outpatient clinics at the health insurance in Beni-Suef city. Tools: Interviewing Questionnaire Sheet, which consisted of four parts to assess caregivers' personnel characteristics, knowledge, practices, and attitude for family caregivers regarding the application of infection control precautions at home for corona virus. Results: The result clarified that 70.6% of caregivers had unsatisfactory knowledge toward covid 19, while, 95.9% had satisfactory practices, and 69.4% had positive attitude toward application of infection control precautions with corona virus at home. Conclusion: Most family caregivers lacked adequate knowledge of COVID-19 infection control measures, despite having access to information. Knowledge correlated positively with sociodemographic factors such as age, marital status, education, residence, and income. Younger, better-educated, and wealthier caregivers displayed more effective management practices. Overall, attitudes towards control measures were generally favorable, especially among younger, married, highly educated, urban caregivers with sufficient income. Recommendations: Continuous education and training for caregivers, along with proper PPE, are essential. Initiatives such as home visits and education foster community awareness about COVID-19, helping to reduce stigma and promote preventive measures like hand washing and mask-wearing. Community nurses are vital in health education and training.

Research Keywords

Infection Control; COVID-19; Caregiver; Perception