Awareness and Preparedness of Nurses against Novel Coronavirus in Referral Centers of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, 2020

Background and purpose: Hospitals have a significant role in crisis management in every society. This study intended to assess the awareness and prepardness of nursing staff during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Materials and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in selected hospitals affiliated to Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, 2020. The participants included 142 nurses selected via census sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Results: Nurses demonstrated a satisfactory level of knowledge about preventive measures and protective behaviors for disease transmission from patients with suspected COVID-19 (73%) as well as Coronavirus diagnostic tests (38.8%). Nurses were rated poorly in attending hospital training programs (66%), being prepared for the Coronavirus outbreak (44%), self-confidence in providing care to suspected patients (50%), and satisfaction with personal protective equipment and supplies (37%). Conclusion: The study showed low levels of awareness and prepardness in some areas related to management of the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.