ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, PRACTICES, AND SYSTEM PREPAREDNESS FOR CRIMEAN-CONGO HEMORRHAGIC FEVER (CCHF) AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN BALOCHISTAN, PAKISTAN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Objective: To assess the baseline knowledge, self-reported practices, confidence, and perceived system preparedness for CCHF management among healthcare workers (HCWs) in tertiary care hospitals of Quetta, Balochistan.
Study Design: Descriptive, cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of the Study: Four major tertiary care hospitals in Quetta, Balochistan, during April-May 2025.
Methodology: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed via Google Forms using snowball sampling. Sixty-nine HCWs involved in CCHF patient care participated. The survey assessed demographics, prior training, knowledge of CCHF transmission and infection prevention and control (IPC), confidence in performing resuscitation, and availability of institutional resources.
Results: A significant majority (89.9%) had never received formal CCHF-specific IPC training, and 88.4% had no simulation-based training. While general awareness of transmission was high (89.9%), specific knowledge was variable: 65.2% correctly identified the comprehensive PPE protocol. A significant proportion (49.3%) reported low confidence in performing safe resuscitation on CCHF patients. System-level gaps were pronounced, with only 36.2% reporting clear protocols for high-risk cases, and a majority (75.4%) stating resuscitation kits were unequipped for CCHF or they were unsure.
Conclusion: Major gaps in specific knowledge, confidence, and system preparedness for CCHF management exist among frontline HCWs in Balochistan. These findings underscore the critical necessity for targeted, simulation-based educational interventions and systemic strengthening to enhance safety and readiness.