Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice towards 2019 novel coronavirus

Background: The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) epidemic prompts an effort towards efficient case management in terms of both therapy and prevention Objectives: The present study aims to evaluate Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) towards 2019-nCoV among health workers in Greece Methods: One hundred fifty health care workers from Central Greece were approached KAP towards 2019-nCoV was assessed by a self-administered 16 item questionnaire (7 questions explored knowledge, 6 attitudes and 3 practice) Results: One hundred seven questionnaires were returned Mean age±SD was 41 9±11 3 years and 72% were females Thirty-seven point five % (37 5%) were medical doctors, 38 5% were nurses and 24% were laboratory staff members Of the responders, 99 1% had heard about the 2019-nCoV outbreak The majority responded correctly about the 2019-nCoV transmission (76 2%) and the disease symptoms (90 6%) Of the responders, 97 2% would comply with national guidelines concerning 2019-nCoV prevention Interestingly, 72 9% would suggest a ban of travelling in countries with many confirmed cases in order to prevent transmission Conclusions: This is a pilot study and our results need confirmation in larger cohorts Improvements in knowledge concerning 2019-nCoV can lead to positive attitude and therefore better clinical practice