Developing an Understanding of Adolescents’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 430-441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Latefa Ali Dardas ◽  
Inaam Khalaf ◽  
Manar Nabolsi ◽  
Omayyah Nassar ◽  
Suhaila Halasa

Adolescents are more likely to engage in risky health practices related to COVID-19. Their compliance with infection control measures is a key factor to mitigate the spread of the disease. The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward COVID-19 and their correlates among Jordanian adolescents. An online cross-sectional survey was utilized. A total of 1,054 Jordanian adolescents aged 12–18 completed and returned the survey. Overall, Jordanian adolescents showed a good base of knowledge regarding COVID-19 (regardless of their demographic characteristics) and tended to hold positive attitudes toward the country’s curfew and other protective measures. The majority of adolescents reported that television and social media were their main source of information on COVID-19, while few reported receiving such information from their schools. The majority reported practicing effective health protective behaviors to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which was significantly predicted by their knowledge and attitudes toward these measures. However, there was a relatively small, yet clinically significant, percentage of adolescents who showed poor knowledge on COVID-19, had negative attitudes toward protective measures, and reported being engaged in risky practices related to infection spread. Tailored efforts are needed to improve the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among adolescents. Raising awareness and promoting positive attitudes are vital to change adolescents’ health practices. Policy makers should ensure that school nurses are available in all schools and working to their full scope. School nurses are the eyes and ears of public health and primary care. They are essential members on pandemic preparedness, reopening and reentry planning teams, and can lead health care in schools and practice in a holistic culturally competent proactive manner to address the needs of students.

Author(s):  
Issa Yakusu ◽  
Francis Baelongadi ◽  
Lobela Bumba ◽  
Osinga Bonyoma ◽  
Basandja Longemba Eugene ◽  
...  

Objective: To determine the levels of knowledge, attitudes and practices towards Covid-19 among residents of the Plateau Boyoma neighborhood. Methods: A questionnaire was designed and a cross- sectional survey was carried out among 214 households in the Plateau Boyoma district between September 27 and October 27, 2020. Participants were questioned on knowledge, attitudes and practices towards the COVID-19. The data was analyzed by SPSS. Results: The majority of respondents were males aged 39 to 45 years. Most of the participants had higher education (68.7%). The main sources of information on COVID-19 were radio and television. The majority of respondents had a positive attitude towards complying with government infection control measures, 43.9% said they frequently wash their hands with soap and water, cover their mouth and their skin, respectively nose when coughing or sneezing. However, household concern about COVID-19 is very great. In this study, the surveys had a high level of knowledge about COVID-19 and adapted attitudes towards this disease. However, community health campaigns are necessary to have optimistic attitudes and practice appropriate intervention measures without misconceptions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Gerald Okello ◽  
Jonathan Izudi ◽  
Steven Teguzirigwa ◽  
Allan Kakinda ◽  
Guido Van Hal

Background. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) morbidity is rising in Uganda. However, data are limited about people’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Objective. To determine knowledge about COVID-19, attitudes towards presidential directives and Ministry of Health (MoH) guidelines, and adherence to practicing public health preventive measures (KAP) in Uganda. Methods. This cross-sectional survey was conducted between April 28 and May 19, 2020. Data were collected using online social media platforms, websites, and popular media outlets. We descriptively summarized data and categorized KAP scores as knowledgeable about COVID-19, positive attitude towards presidential directives and MoH guidelines, and adherent to public health preventive measures, respectively. We tested sex differences in KAP using tests of significance and established independently associated factors using modified Poisson regression analysis, reported using adjusted prevalence risk ratio (aPR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results. We studied 362 participants with the following sociodemographic characteristics: 86 (23.8%) aged 25-29 years, 212 (58.6%) males, 270 (74.6%) with tertiary or university levels of education, and 268 (74.0%) urban residents. Of the 362 participants, 264 (93.9%) were knowledgeable about COVID-19 (94.1% males and 93.8% females), 51.3% had positive attitudes towards presidential directives and MoH guidelines (51.0% male and 51.8% female), and 175 (48.3%) were adherent to practicing public health preventive measures (42.9% males and 56.0% females). Compared to males, our data shows that females were more adherent to practicing public health preventive measures (aPR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.01-1.53), knowledgeable about COVID-19 (aPR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.95-1.07), and had positive attitudes towards directives and guidelines (aPR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.82-1.25). Conclusions. This study shows that public health prevention efforts should be directed to closing the identified gaps in KAP among Ugandans in order to halt the spread of COVD-19 in Uganda as well as the East African region.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 772
Author(s):  
Yi-Man Teng ◽  
Kun-Shan Wu ◽  
Wen-Cheng Wang ◽  
Dan Xu

During the pandemic, quarantine hotel workers face a higher risk of infection while they host quarantine guests from overseas. This study’s aim is to gain an understanding of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of quarantine hotel workers in China. A total of 170 participants took part in a cross-sectional survey to assess the KAP of quarantine hotel workers in China, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The chi-square test, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), descriptive analysis, and binary logistic regression were used to examine the sociodemographic factors associated with KAP levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results show that 62.41% have good knowledge, 94.7% have a positive attitude towards COVID-19, but only 78.2% have good practices. Most quarantine hotel workers (95.3%) are confident that COVID-19 will be successfully controlled and that China is handling the COVID-19 crisis well (98.8%). Most quarantine hotel workers are also taking personal precautions, such as avoiding crowds (80.6%) and wearing facemasks (97.6%). The results evidence that quarantine hotel workers in China have acquired the necessary knowledge, positive attitudes and proactive practices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of this study can provide a reference for quarantine hotel workers and their targeted education and intervention.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arpita Rai ◽  
Nishant Nishant ◽  
D Singh ◽  
Nitin Kulkarni ◽  
Shailesh Chaurasia ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: People's adherence to control measures is imperative in the fight against COVID-19. The present study was done to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19 among residents of Jharkhand and to assist government in deciding further course of action during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: This study was an online cross sectional survey. The link to the questionnaire was displayed on the official website of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Government of Jharkhand, National Health Mission, Jharkhand, official website of all districts under Jharkhand state administration, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme and Information & Public Relations department. Participation of residents in the survey was also extensively propagated using mass media mainly local television networks, radio channel and newspapers. Results: A total of 4683 responses were received from all districts of Jharkhand. Majority of the participants were young adults (47.5%) and number of male participants was more than the females (81.4%). Mean correct knowledge score for participants of this study was 10.73+2.2 (maximum attainable score was 14) while mean practice score for the participants was 4.5+0.69 (maximum attainable score was 5). Knowledge score of the participants was significantly associated with their age, education status and economic class (p<0.05). The participants largely held an optimistic attitude and healthy practices towards COVID-19. Conclusions: Participants had positive attitude but were also logically worried and uncertain about near future. Adequate knowledge of participants was visible in the practices of residents. There was however a gap across age groups, gender, literacy and income levels which should be addressed in future campaigns.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joan Mabinty Koroma ◽  
Yuji Wang ◽  
Xiang Guo ◽  
Xiaoqing Zhang ◽  
Jone Jama Kpanda Ngobeh ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundChildren under-5 are the most vulnerable to malaria infection and they suffer serious complications. Sierra Leone is one of the countries with the highest malaria burden in the world. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) towards malaria control and prevention among caregivers of children under-5 in the Western Area of Sierra Leone.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among caregivers of children under-5 visiting the out-patient department of six selected hospitals/community health centers. Data were collected via questionnaire interview with 350 caregivers. Further statistical analyses were performed primarily Spearman’s rank test for inferring the correlations among KAPs, univariate and multivariate logistic regression for demonstration the association between KAPs and socio-demographic characteristics.ResultsWomen made up 97.1% of respondents with the majority being young mothers-including 33 single student moms. 46.3% among respondents were unemployed and 27.1% had no educational background. Only 1.4% received malaria related information from the internet/social media. This KAPs survey indicated that misconception of cause, transmission and clinical symptoms of malaria; unawareness of lethality and severity; inappropriate behaviors in prevention and treatment such as self-medicating were still in existence in caregivers. But a positive correlation in knowledge-attitudes (rs = 0.13, P < 0.05) and attitudes-practices (rs = 0.45, P < 0.001) were revealed. The caregivers being a mother and having at least secondary education were demonstrated associated with positive attitudes and practices. Meanwhile, more urban-based caregivers (79.8%) followed a complete malaria treatment course of ACTs than the rural (63.3%), but in view of ITNs use, more rural-based caregivers presented positive attitudes (85.3%) and practices (70.1%) than the urban (69.9%, 52.0%). The student moms might know more but do less. ConclusionsIn order to better protect children under-5 against lethal malaria, their caregivers, especially young mothers, need strong support to reduce misconceptions, inappropriate behaviors, and provide increased vigilance. It is important to develop an efficient communication channel to disseminate information regarding malaria, especially strengthening community-based media infrastructure, including internet/social media. A increase in education and employment opportunities for women, as well as setting up community-based malaria counselling services, is urgently needed.


Author(s):  
Sima Rugarabamu ◽  
Mariam Ibrahim ◽  
Aisha Byanaku

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic is a global health and societal emergency that requires the adoption of Unprecedented measures to control the rapid spread of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic. Residents’ adherence to control measures is affected by their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards the disease, therefore. This study was carried out to investigate KAP towards COVID-19 KAP among residents in Tanzania during the April –May 2020 period of the epidemic.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study that involved a sample of online Tanzanian residents who was recruited randomly by sending an invitation asking to answer my survey”. Survey Monkey tool was used to develop a link and KAP questionnaire for data collection. Participants self-selected themselves when they choose to answer the questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics of participants, Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward COVID. simple descriptive to complex analyses of multivariate was carried out using SPSS 17.ResultsFour hundred residents completed a survey. The mean age of study participants was 32 years, and majorities were females 216 (54.0%). There were no significant differences in demographic variables (p>0.3). Those who held a bachelor’s degree or above (60.3%) had a more correct score. Overall, (84.4%) of participants had good knowledge which was significantly associated with education level (p=0.001). Nearly all of the participants (96.0%) had confidence that COVID-19 will be eliminated. The majority of the respondents (77%) did not go to a crowded place in recent days. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that male gender, age-group of 16-29 years, and education of secondary or lower were significantly associated with lower knowledge score.ConclusionOur findings revealed good knowledge, optimistic attitudes, and appropriate practices towards COVID-19. Suggesting that a community-based health education program about COVID-19 is helpful and necessary to control the disease.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arpita Rai ◽  
Nishant Nishant ◽  
DK Singh ◽  
Nitin Madan Kulkarni ◽  
Shailesh Kumar Chaurasia ◽  
...  

Abstract Background People's adherence to control measures is imperative in the fight against COVID-19. The present study was done to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19 among residents of Jharkhand and to assist government in deciding further course of action during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods This study was an online cross sectional survey. The link to the questionnaire was displayed on the official website of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Government of Jharkhand, National Health Mission, Jharkhand, official website of all districts under Jharkhand state administration, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme and Information & Public Relations department. Participation of residents in the survey was also extensively propagated using mass media mainly local television networks, radio channel and newspapers. Results A total of 4683 responses were received from all districts of Jharkhand. Majority of the participants were young adults (47.5%) and number of male participants was more than the females (81.4%). Mean correct knowledge score for participants of this study was 10.73 + 2.2 (maximum attainable score was 14) while mean practice score for the participants was 4.5 + 0.69 (maximum attainable score was 5). Knowledge score of the participants was significantly associated with their age, education status and economic class (p < 0.05). The participants largely held an optimistic attitude and healthy practices towards COVID-19. Conclusions Participants had positive attitude but were also logically worried and uncertain about near future. Adequate knowledge of participants was visible in the practices of residents. There was however a gap across age groups, gender, literacy and income levels which should be addressed in future campaigns.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Lucía Mendoza Millán ◽  
Fhabián Stevens Carrión-Nessi ◽  
Mario Daniel Mejía Bernard ◽  
María Victoria Marcano-Rojas ◽  
Óscar Daniel Omaña Ávila ◽  
...  

Background: The deterioration of Venezuela's health system in recent years undoubtedly contributes to an increased impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding healthcare workers' (HCWs) knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) toward COVID-19 in the early stages of the pandemic could inform their medical training and improve their preparedness.Methods: A online national cross-sectional survey was conducted between May 26th and May 30th, 2020, to assess KAPs among HCWs in Venezuela.Results: A total of 1,441 HCWs from all 24 regions of the country responded to the survey. The mean age of the HCWs was 44 (SD [standard deviation] 14) years; most were women (66.4%). Most HCWs were specialized doctors (48%), followed by nurses (13%) and resident doctors (12.3%). The majority of HCWs had good knowledge (76.3%), obtained information mainly from scientific literature (85.4%); had negative attitudes (53.6%), felt uncomfortable with their work during the current pandemic (59.8%); and reported appropriate practices (76.9%). However, participation in COVID-19 related training was absent in more than half of the HCWs. Positive attitudes were significantly more frequent in frontline workers than in non-frontline workers (p = 0.001). Bioanalysts, students, and doctors were more likely to have good knowledge; participating in training was a predictor for positive attitudes and older age was an appropriate practice predictor.Conclusions: HCWs, knowledge in Venezuela could be improved by strengthening education and training programs. Strategies should focus on reducing fear and improving attitudes toward the care of COVID-19 patients, as well as the promotion of preventive practices.


Author(s):  
Arpita Rai ◽  
. Nishant ◽  
Anshul Kumar ◽  
D. K. Singh ◽  
Nitin Madan Kulkarni ◽  
...  

Background: People's adherence to control measures is imperative in the fight against COVID-19. The present study was done to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19 among residents of Jharkhand and to assist the government in deciding further course of action during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: This study was an online cross-sectional survey. The link to the questionnaire was displayed on the official website of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, National Health Mission, Jharkhand, official website of all districts under Jharkhand state administration, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme and Information & Public Relations department. Participation of residents in the survey was extensively propagated using mass media mainly local television networks, radio channels and newspapers. Results: A total of 4683 responses were received from all districts of Jharkhand. The majority of the participants were young adults (47.5%) and the number of male participants was more than the females (81.4%). The mean correct knowledge score for participants of this study was 10.73+2.2 (maximum attainable score was 14) while the mean practice score for the participants was 4.5+0.69 (maximum attainable score was 5). The knowledge score of the participants was significantly associated with their age, education status and economic class (p<0.0001). The participants largely held an optimistic attitude and healthy practices towards COVID-19. Conclusion: Participants had a positive attitude but were also logically worried and uncertain about the near future. Adequate knowledge of participants was visible in their practices. There was however a gap across age groups, gender, literacy and income levels which should be addressed in future campaigns.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oscar Silva ◽  
Silvia Palomino ◽  
Ada Robles ◽  
Jorge Ríos ◽  
Frank Mayta-Tovalino

Introduction. The level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices with respect to infection control measures in undergraduate stomatology students is not well understood; that is why these variables were evaluated in the students of the Universidad Privada San Juan Bautista between September and November of 2017.Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out. A total of 347 students from the Ica, Lima Norte, and Chorrillos campuses were evaluated. The sample was calculated using the statistical formula of comparison of means. The questionnaire of the CDC (Center of Contagious Diseases) was used to measure the variables described.Results. It was observed that 72.05% of the students preferred to use oral rinsing before starting a treatment, 72.62% used the autoclave as the primary equipment to sterilize their instruments in the dental clinic, 95.10% considered that isolation is important in the control of the infection, 46.40% affirmed that tuberculosis is the most infectious disease, and only 26.51% considered it to be hepatitis B. On the other hand, it was found that the scores of knowledge, attitudes, and practices were 2.74 ± 2.16, 3.59 ± 0.88, and 3.59 ± 1.73, respectively.Conclusions. The level of knowledge was low among the students evaluated; however, as far as the level of practices and attitudes was high, even so, this topic must be reinforced so that stomatology students reflect on the importance of the risks that exist to get infected with any disease inside the dental office, as outside of it.


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