In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare practices have seen a tremendous shift, with an increased emphasis on safety measures aimed at reducing the transmission of respiratory infections. Emphasizing this paradigm shift, a study was conducted to assess the levels of awareness, behavior, and attitudes amongst healthcare professionals towards cough etiquette and safety protocols such as the elbow bump greeting. The research involved 216 healthcare workers who participated in a cross-sectional analysis, using a structured and validated online survey that ran for five months from May to October 2025.
The demographics surveyed were broad, including different levels of education, positions within the healthcare setting, departments, experience, previous training, and more. The intent was to garner a comprehensive understanding of these behaviors within the widely varying and diverse community of healthcare professionals. The study revealed that over half of the participants exhibited a strong understanding of the topics (50.9%). However, only about a quarter showed good practice (24.1%), and less than half portrayed a positive attitude (40.7%) towards these safety measures.
As expected, there was a direct correlation between knowledge and practice, though it was found to be weak. Interestingly, a moderately strong correlation was observed between practice and attitude. In terms of demographic parameters, factors such as age, occupation, department, education, experience, and training had a significant influence on the scores. Notably, staff belonging to the Infection Control Unit and experienced nurses scored higher.
The results, however, indicate a discrepancy between knowledge and its application, along with attitudes towards safety protocols. This emphasizes the need for practical, hands-on, department-specific interventions aimed at bridging the knowledge-practice gap and promoting consistent adherence to safety measures. This can greatly enhance current safety trends and ensure the health and safety of both healthcare workers and patients alike.
Better understanding, acceptance, and application of cough etiquette and elbow bump greetings among healthcare professionals contribute to a safer healthcare environment. It is crucial to keep evolving educational platforms and strategies to ensure professionals stay updated with significant developments, especially in the backdrop of a severe pandemic. Ultimately, fostering a robust culture of infection prevention and control is our collective responsibility, paving the way for a safer, healthier future for all.