Challenges and Strategies to deal with COVID-19 from the perspective of physicians and nurses in southern of Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran

COVID-19 has widely spread around the world and has a high mortality rate. The aim of this study was to determine the challenges and strategies to deal with SARS-CoV-2 from the perspective of physicians and nurses in Iranshahr, southern of Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran.

In this descriptive-analytical study, 100 physicians and nurses have participated who working in the wards related to COVID-19 (respiratory isolation ward, intensive care unit and emergency department) of Iran and Khatam-ul-Anbia hospitals in Iranshahr. They were included by available methods from 21 March, 2020 to 8 April 2020. The researcher-made questionnaire assessed the challenges and strategies to deal with COVID-19 from the perspective of nurses and physicians. The reliability and validity of the questionnaire were confirmed. 

The mean age of samples was 31.94±7.4 and the average work experience was 5.6±5.6 years. In answer to the question, what are the challenges related to COVID-19? The results showed that the lowest mean responses were related to "peoplechr('39')s lack of access to social networks and mass communication" and the highest mean was related to "not taking the disease seriously in the general public." In response to the question "What do you think are the main obstacles to controlling the COVID-19 epidemic?" Non-quarantine of infected cities is the most common obstacle. In response to the question "What solution do you suggest to fight the COVID-19?" The quarantine of cities and stay at home were the most prevalent.

  In order to break the chain of COVID-19 transmission, it is necessary to observe such issues as quarantine and stay at home, restriction of travels, observe personal hygiene, identify suspicious cases, provide livelihood for the people and a provide medical staff, and raise the level of awareness and attitude of the people through training.