European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Objective: Coronavirus is a retrovirus first found in Wuhan, China. The airborne spread of the coronavirus has created a pandemic all across the globe and various had implemented social distancing and quarantine periods to limit the spread. Doctors nurses and other social helpers who deliver services to the sick and ailing people either directly or indirectly fall under the category of healthcare workers. Healthcare workers are more vulnerable to coronavirus disease. Medical workers are unwillingly quarantined in the hospitals where they do not have another choice and conventional protection such as masks and gloves are not completely effective. This pandemic had a major impact as there was decline in the financial and social conditions. The aim of the analysis was to assess the attitude of family members of healthcare workers during COVID-19.
Materials and method: The present study population consisted of family members of healthcare workers in the South Indian population through an online Setting. The study design was a questionnaire based cross sectional study, conducted in 2020 and approval was obtained from the scientific review board. Self administered questionnaire was prepared pertaining to the topic and circulated through an online google forms link.
Statistical analysis: The results obtained from the survey were analysed using SPSS version 22. The statistical analysis was descriptive statistics to summarise the demographic data and chi square analysis to summarise the survey data.
Result: The survey found that the majority had healthcare workers as their family members and they had a positive attitude towards their work and felt proud. The family members were sometimes forced to follow hygiene measures and were regularly tested for 
the presence of coronavirus. At the same time the healthcare workers were also under physical and mental stress which in turn affected their family members.
Conclusion: Family members' attitudes have an influence on healthcare workers who work everyday in this pandemic situation. Awareness in relation to maintenance of hygiene among family members healthcare workers needed to be enhanced