Impact of COVID-19 on Libyan Laboratory Specialists: A Cross- Sectional Survey

Background and objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global health problem. Laboratory professionals are at a higher risk of contracting the disease during the COVID- 19 pandemic. This study was conducted to examine lab professionals' perceptions and satisfaction with organizational processes during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was carried out on 53 medical laboratory professionals working at laboratories in Tripoli (Libya) between November 2020 and January 2021. Data were collected via face-to-face questionnaire. Responses to questions were scored based on a five-point Likert scale (1=strongly disagree, 2= disagree, 3=neutral, 4=agree and 5=strongly agree). Data were presented as frequency and percentages using the Microsoft Excel 2016. Results: Most participants were female (81.2%) and with less than five years of work experience (39.6%). The majority of respondents (79.3%) had a bachelor’s degree. Most healthcare workers (75.5%) were unaware whether the lab would provide medical care if they were tested positive for COVID-19, while 13.2% of them perceived that they will get free medical care. Owing to social distancing, 20 subjects (37.7%) felt that their social activities have been altered during break time. Only 3.7% of the participants believed that their motivation level decreased due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Conclusion: The outcomes of this study provide laboratorians’ perspective in the COVID-19 crisis as well as specific lessons for future unpredicted crises.