Factors associated with the use of personal protective equipment among Brazilian physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: The objective was to analyze the factors associated with use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) among Brazilian physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2020 with 1298 Brazilian physicians. The respondent driven sampling technique was used by sharing the survey through social media.

Results: Factors associated with the use of PPE while caring for COVID-19 patients were: being female (AOR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.24-1.98; p ≤ 0.001); working in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) (AOR = 2.78; 95% CI: 2.06-3.75; p ≤ 0.001); training (AOR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.25-2.09; p ≤ 0.001); access to sufficient PPE (AOR = 2.22; 95% CI: 1.27-3.90; p = 0.0050), and PPE of good quality (AOR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.16-2.92; p = 0.009). The following factors were associated with the use of recommended PPE during procedures that generate aerosols in the context of COVID-19: working in the ICU (ORA=2.73; 95% CI: 2.06-3.62; p < 0.01); working in a field hospital (AOR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.06-1.79; p = 0.018;) training (AOR = 1.72 95% CI: 1.32-2.24; p < 0.01); access to sufficient PPE (AOR = 1.63; 95% CI: 0.91-2.92; p < 0.01), PPE of good quality (AOR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.28-3.35; p = 0.003).

Conclusions: The factors associated with the use of necessary PPE with COVID-19 patients and for procedures that generate aerosols were identified. Educational interventions for professionals and managers must be implemented to direct them towards protecting themselves and others.