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Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding Utility of CBNAAT in the Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 Disease among Medical Interns: A Cross-sectional Study
DC06-DC08
Correspondence
Dr. Debalina Das,
8, B.L Ganguly Lane, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
E-mail: drdebalinadas63885@gmail.com
Introduction: Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) causes respiratory tract infections in human beings ranging from mild illnesses like common cold to severe disease like pneumonia. Currently, nucleic acid amplification tests Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), Cartridge Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) and TrueNat) and rapid antigen detection tests are approved for diagnostic purpose by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Medical interns, the primary contact healthcare personnel, need to be sensitised regarding proper utilisation of CBNAAT, so that rapid and accurate diagnosis of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can be made in comparison to the more commonly used RT-PCR technique.
Aim: To evaluate the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) of Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) interns towards accessibility of CBNAAT in SARS-CoV-2 infection in a tertiary care hospital.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed through questionnaire shared via online platform amongst 102 Medical interns working at College of Medicine and Sagore Dutta Hospital from 22nd August 2021 to 21st September 2021. Based on their response, KAP was assessed by using a three-point Likert Scale. The collected data was entered in Microsoft excel, and reported as frequencies and percentages.
Results: Among 102 internees, 84 interns responded. Among 84 medical interns 31% had good, 50% had average whereas 19% had poor level of knowledge. About 58 (69%) agreed that CBNAAT can be used as a method for rapid diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. About 75 (89.3%) answered that they are sending samples for COVID-19 testing. Only 56 (66.7%) agreed that CBNAAT should be recommended.
Conclusion: The present study revealed that majority of the MBBS interns had positive attitude towards different aspects of CBNAAT utility but most of them had gaps in their KAP. This demands extra efforts to sensitise and train them adequately.