AUTHOR=Boyacı Hafize , Söyük Selma 

TITLE=The relationship between healthcare workers’ perceptions of epidemic management and manager support in a healthcare institution during the COVID-19 pandemic: scale development study

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1477961

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2025.1477961

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=IntroductionThe aim of the study is to determine the relationship between epidemic management and manager support in healthcare institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic through the perception of healthcare workers. In the research, a scale development study was conducted for the “Epidemic Management Perception Scale”. This scale determines the epidemic management practices in health institutions through the perceptions of healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThe study is a methodological quantitative research. The data were collected from 365 healthcare workers using a systematic random sampling method. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were performed for the validity of the “Epidemic Management Perception” Scale. Cronbach’s Alpha value was used in the reliability analysis of the scale. The theoretical model was tested using the Structural Equation Model.ResultsEpidemic Management Perception Scale was introduced to the literature as a valid and reliable assessment form. In the research, relationships between variables were modeled using structural equation modeling. As a result of the research, a high positive and significant relationship was found between healthcare workers’ perception of epidemic management and manager support in the healthcare institution during the COVID-19 pandemic (r = 0.606; R2: %36). In addition, a highly positive and significant relationship was found between healthcare workers’ perception of manager support and epidemic management sub-dimensions. (Planning R2: 30.8%, Organization R2: 26. 2%, Management R2: 21.9% and Control R2: 36.2%).DiscussionIt was determined that manager support played an important role in healthcare workers’ positive response to epidemic management practices in healthcare institutions. The supportive attitude of managers in health institutions is the most important factor in overcoming the epidemic process. It is important to inform health managers about the importance of manager support and to organize the necessary training activities.