• Dr. Bodeno Ehis
• Dr. Hendrith Esene,
• Dr. Francis Osemhoahu Erah,
• Dr. Zekeri Sule,
• Dr. Godwill Agbon-ojeme

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess perception and factors affecting compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols and guidelines among Health Care Workers. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 152 health care workers of Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital, Okada, Edo state. The respondents were selected by Stratified sampling technique based on the departments. The sampling ratio for each department was calculated and a proportional allocation was carried out. Simple random sampling was applied to select the number of Health Care Workers from each department by using table of random numbers. Structured, Pre tested, interviewed administered questionnaire was the tool used for data collection. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21.0 and level of significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: A total of 152 respondents participated in the study. Majority 115(75.7%) of the respondents were aware Covid-19 was in Nigeria, 116(76.3%) were tested for SARS-CoV-2 and 37(24.3%) of the respondents knew of anybody who had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Majority 95(62.5%) of the respondents had attended a form of training on covid-19 since onset of the pandemic, About three quarters 112(73.7%) of the respondents agreed the use of personal protective equipment were important in preventing SARSCoV-2/COVID-19, 100(65.8%) used personal protective equipment and washed their hands when handling patient while reasons for not performing the standard protocol were either too busy with patients or scarcity of water Conclusion: This study revealed a high level of awareness of Covid-19 and the usage of personal protective equipment for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19. Above one quarter of the respondents think consistent hand washing and wearing of mask are measures that can prevent/control SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19. There was statistically significant relationship between socio-demographic characteristics, awareness, perception of Covid-19 safety protocol and guidelines. Findings suggest that both individuals and health system factors are significant in increasing the risk of COVID-19 among healthcare workers. Efforts at enforcing strict compliance with safety protocols and guidelines should be implemented to protect all healthcare personnel.

Covid-19, Guidelines, safety protocols, perception. Health Care workers.

"Covid-19 Safety Protocols And Guidelines: Awareness Perception And Factors Affecting Compliance Among Health Workers In Southern Nigeria", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 7, page no.g654-g673, July-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2407674.pdf

"Covid-19 Safety Protocols And Guidelines: Awareness Perception And Factors Affecting Compliance Among Health Workers In Southern Nigeria", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 7, page no. ppg654-g673, July-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2407674.pdf