Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Perceived Usability of Respirators Among Thai Healthcare Personnel During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: Respirators are essential for protecting healthcare personnel (HCPs) from airborne infections, and were particularly valuable during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, knowledge gaps, attitudes, and perceived usability issues may hinder their proper use, especially in settings lacking formal respiratory protection programs. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP), and perceived usability of respirators among Thai healthcare personnel at a university hospital in Northern Thailand and identify differences across job roles. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among HCPs at a university hospital in Northern Thailand. Participants completed a validated questionnaire covering demographic data, KAP, and perceived usability of respirators. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze group differences. Results: A total of 479 valid responses were analyzed from physicians (31.7%), nurses (37.6%), and other HCPs (30.7%). Only around 12% of all participants correctly identified that surgical masks are not respirators, although over 90% correctly identified the nature of N95/KN95-type filtering facepiece respirators. Nurses demonstrated higher knowledge of respirator standards and proper use. Confidence and willingness to use industrial or reprocessed sterile respirators varied significantly by role (p < 0.05). Only 30.5% had received fit-testing. Perceived usability concerns included discomfort, heat, and breathability, reported across all groups. Conclusions: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to respirator use varied by professional role, with notable gaps in fit-testing and perceived usability. Findings highlight the need for targeted training, consistent fit-testing protocols, and improved respirator design for comfort to ensure effective respiratory protection in healthcare settings.