Introduction: Health personnel represent the first response of the health system in the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, it is important to assess their knowledge about the identification and care of patients with COVID-19. Objective: To identify the factors associated with the perception of knowledge of Peruvian resident physicians regarding the care of patients with COVID-19 and to describe the perception of mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Cross-sectional study, carried out in 2020 in hospitals in Peru. The "Perception of Knowledge in Health Workers" scale was used (Cronbach's Alpha: 0.77). And also, the "Mental Health COVID-19" scale was used (Cronbach's Alpha: 0.88). Bivariate and multivariate statistics were performed. © 2022 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.