Myths on healthcare personnel during the Covid-19 pandemic on the Dominican Republic

Abstract

In 2020, the COVID-19 disease was a relevant event within all public health systems in the world. In March of that year, the Dominican Republic declared the first case moving towards community broadcasting. Based on this, human behaviors and responses to this disease have taken on different practical and theoretical nuances. Here we propose an analysis of the persistence of myths within the health personnel of the Dr. Hugo Mendoza Pediatric Hospital. The methodology used was an online survey (social networks) of 981 health professionals residing in the Dominican Republic. The survey included sociodemographic data, risk perception, attitudes, beliefs. Participants completed the survey between March 30 and April 6, 2020. Among some of the most outstanding results: the majority of respondents (89%) consider that limiting close contact with sick people, washing their hands, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands are steps to prevent infection with the new coronavirus. Finally, the execution of information campaigns is recommended to promote good practices and clarify misconceptions about COVID-19.