Abstract:
Background: Health care professionals at the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic
require continued support to ensure not only their well-being, but enhanced
care for those infected by the disease. This study aimed to assess the
perceptions of health care providers regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in
Lesotho. Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was used
to collect data from 190 healthcare workers who were conveniently sampled
from a total of 25 health care facilities and completed structured questionnaires.
Data were collected in September 2021 and analyzed using SPSS (vs23).
Permission to conduct this study was granted by the relevant authorities. Informed
written consent was given by the respondents in writing before they
could take part in this study. Results: Respondents had positive views about
the COVID-19 pandemic, and they were associated with the level of education.
They understood that COVID-19 can affect anyone, including themselves
and is not a disease for any particular race. They perceived that they
could contract COVID-19, even despite pre-existing conditions, and there
was a positive prognosis after contracting COVID-19 if necessary precautions
were taken. Furthermore, they knew that the virus was affecting many people
worldwide, including the elderly, who were willing to be tested. Respondents
felt the testing procedure was rather painful and uncomfortable. The test providers
were friendly and not rude, and respondents did not have any preferred
gender for them. Respondents were also willing to discuss issues on
COVID-19 with families and friends, and they lived close to health care facilities.
Conclusions: This study concludes that healthcare professionals at the
frontline were mostly nurses, and they had positive perceptions about the
COVID-19 pandemic as they were knowledgeable and willing to test for the
disease. Test providers were viewed as pleasant and healthcare facilities were accessible. Support for frontline healthcare professionals remains crucial to
ensure effective service delivery. More education can be provided to enhance
the general views about the COVID-19 to improve uptake of services, not
only amongst healthcare professionals but the general public.
