Are Healthcare Professionals in Jordan Willing to Work and Provide Care for Covid-19 Patients?

• Published in: Australasian journal of paramedicine 2021-01, Vol.18, p.1-8
• Main Authors: Alwidyan, Mahmoud, Oteir, Alaa, Mohammad, Anas, Williams, Brett
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2202-7270; 2202-7270
• DOI: 10.33151/ajp.18.924

Introduction The outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has overwhelmed healthcare systems and exposed healthcare providers (and their families) to a high risk of infection and death. This study aimed to assess the willingness of healthcare providers in Jordan to report for duty and provide care to COVID-19 patients. Methods An online questionnaire was developed including questions about demographics, willingness to report to work and provide care to COVID-19 patients, and potential associated factors. Results A total of 253 participants completed the survey (mean age 33.8 years, 58.6% male). The sample included physicians (14.9%), nurses (61.1%) and paramedics (23%). Most participants (96.4%) were willing to come to work during the pandemic, although only 64.7% showed a willingness to provide care to COVID-19 patients. Being male (OR 3.21; 95% CI: 1.75-5.90) or having adequate training on COVID-19 (OR 5.16; 95% CI: 2.32-11.46) were the major predictors for willingness to care for COVID-19 patients, whereas concerns for family safety (OR 0.25; 95% CI: 0.14-0.47) or lack of information about COVID-19 (OR 0.43; 95% CI: 0.23-0.80) were the major predicting barriers for willingness to care for COVID-19 patients. Conclusion Although most participants were willing to report for duty, less than two-thirds were willing to care for COVID-19 patients. Being male and receiving training are associated with willingness; whereas concern for family is associated with less willingness to care for COVID-19 patients.