scholarly journals Exploring knowledge, attitudes and practices towards COVID-19 amongst the residents in South Africa: a quick online survey

Author(s):  
Gyandas G. Wadhwani ◽  
Leanne Scott ◽  
Chantelle Nienhuis ◽  
Laura Chella ◽  
Aditi Chadha ◽  
...  

Background: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has spread rapidly inviting unprecedented measures globally. Citizen’s adherence to jurisdiction is affected by their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards the disease.Methods: A cross-sectional survey study among a convenient sample of the general public aged 18 years or more and resident in South Africa was conducted through a self-designed online KAP survey questionnaire during the first few weeks of the South African lockdown to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices about COVID-19. A p value of <0.05 (two tailed) was taken to be statistically significant.Results: A total of 885 respondents completed the survey, majority of which were females who identified COVID-19 as a challenge to health and society and agreed with the strategy of lockdown for initial control of the spreading epidemic. In spite of the high knowledge scores of the population 31% of the respondents did not choose to wear a mask while leaving home.  Also, a large number of respondents believed that early symptomatic treatment can prove useful to manage the infection. A statistically significant p value (<0.05) was obtained for the study variables in the statistical analysis, which showed that high knowledge scores were found to be associated with gender, categories of annual income and ethnicity.Conclusions: This survey shows that South African residents of a relatively high level of socioeconomic status, in particular women, have substantial knowledge, positive attitudes, but need to improve practices towards COVID-19 during the rapid rise phase of the COVID-19 outbreak. 

Author(s):  
R Swart ◽  
R Duys ◽  
ND Hauser

Background: Simulation-based education (SBE) has been shown to be an effective and reproducible learning tool. SBE is used widely internationally. The current state of SBE in South Africa is unknown. To the best of our knowledge this is the first survey that describes the use and attitudes towards SBE within South Africa. Methods: An online survey tool was distributed by email to: i) the South African Society of Anaesthesiologists (SASA) members; and ii) known simulation education providers in South Africa. The respondents were grouped into anaesthesia and non-anaesthesia participants. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Ethics approval was obtained: HREC REF 157/2017. Results: The majority of the respondents provide SBE and integrate it into formal teaching programmes. There is a will amongst respondents to grow SBE in South Africa, with it being recognised as a valuable educational tool. The user groups mainly targeted by SBE, were undergraduate students, medical interns, registrars and nurses. Learning objectives targeted include practical skills, medical knowledge, critical thinking and integrated management. Amongst anaesthesia respondents: the tool most commonly used to assess the quality of learner performance during SBE, for summative assessment, was ‘expert opinion’ (33%); the most frequent methods of evaluating SBE quality were participant feedback (42%) and peer evaluation (22%); the impact of SBE was most frequently assessed by informal discussion (42%) and learner feedback (39%). In anaesthesia SBE largely takes place within dedicated simulation facilities on site (47%). Most respondents report access to a range of SBE equipment. The main reported barriers to SBE were: finance, lack of trained educators, lack of equipment and lack of protected time. A limited number of respondents report engaging in SBE research. There is a willingness in both anaesthesia and non-anaesthesia groups (96% and 89% respectively) to collaborate with other centres. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge this publication provides us with the first cross-sectional survey of SBE in anaesthesia and a selection of non-anaesthetic respondents within South Africa. The majority of respondents indicate that SBE is a valuable education tool. A number of barriers have been identified that limit the growth of SBE within South Africa. It is hoped that with a commitment to ongoing SBE research and evaluation, SBE can be grown in South Africa.


2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (10) ◽  
pp. e12.2-e12
Author(s):  
Samantha Laws ◽  
Mary Halter ◽  
Chao Wang

BackgroundChanges in the paramedic profession have seen an increased range of medicines available within UK ambulances services. However, poor practice in medicines management has been identified by the Care Quality Commission. Literature in this area is sparse. This study aimed to determine the perceived knowledge, attitudes and practices of paramedics regarding pharmacology and the legal and regulatory issues of medicines management and administration.MethodsThe study utilised a cross-sectional survey design, administering an anonymous online survey to all (approximately 1000) paramedics within one UK NHS ambulance trust. The survey focused on paramedic knowledge on pharmacology, legal supply and administration; self-assessment of knowledge and confidence related to medicine management and administration; and personal characteristics. The primary outcome was percentage of (pre-determined) correct answers.Results251 responses were received. The mean percentage of correct answers was 79.0% (SD 10.0), with variation by question observed, from 34.7 to 97.2% correct responses. A higher correct knowledge was associated with: higher self-rated confidence, lower self-reported knowledge, being less likely to report errors and higher education-based initial route into the paramedic profession.ConclusionThis single-site UK-based survey highlighted variation in medicines knowledge amongst self-selecting paramedic respondents. The results indicate a need for medicines-specific further education for all paramedics, particularly those who have not experienced longer formal education entry routes, integrating a focus on confidence and self-perceived knowledge, and enhancing and embedding integrated improvement strategies. Further research is required with larger, multi-site samples, and to evaluate the impact of education packages developed.


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):  
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.


Author(s):  
Edris Kakemam ◽  
Djavad Ghoddoosi-Nejad ◽  
Zahra Chegini ◽  
Khalil Momeni ◽  
Hamid Salehinia ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundCOVID-19, which emerged in December 2019, is the largest pandemic ever to occur. During the early phase, little was known about public awareness relating to Coronavirus disease. This study was designed to determine knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among the Iranian public towards COVID-19.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was carried out in Iran from 2 March to 8 April 2020 using a self-administered questionnaire on 1,480 people. COVID-19-related KAP questions were adapted from other internationally validated questionnaires specific to infectious diseases.ResultsAll participants were aware of COVID-19. When asked unprompted, 80% of respondents could correctly cite fever, difficulty breathing and cough as signs/symptoms of COVID-19. Most of our sample population knew that by staying at home and staying isolated (95.3%, 95 % CI: 94.2-96.3) as well as constant hand washing and using disinfectants (92.5%, 95 % CI: 91.1-93.8) could prevent COVID-19. However, there was also widespread misconceptions such as the belief that COVID-19 can be transmitted by wild animals (58%, 95 % CI: 55.5-60.5) and by air (48.3%, 95 % CI: 45.7-50.8). Unprompted, self-reported actions taken to avoid COVID-19 infection included hand washing with soap and water (95.4%, 95 % CI: 94.3-96.4), avoiding crowded places (93%, 95 % CI: 91.7-94.3), cleaning hands with other disinfectants (80.9 %, 95 % CI: 78.9-82.9), and covering mouths and noses when coughing and sneezing (76.1 %, 95 % CI: 73.9-78.2). The internet and social media (94.5%, 95 % CI: 93.3-95.6) were the main Coronavirus information sources. However, the most trusted information sources on Coronavirus were health and medical professionals (79.3%, 95 % CI: 77.2-81.3). The majority of participants (77.0%, 95 % CI: 74.8-79.1) wanted more information about Coronavirus to be available.ConclusionOur findings suggest that people’s knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 at the time of its outbreak was of a high level. Therefore, health systems should use multiple ways, such as mass media, phone applications, electronic, print, and tele-education to increase KAP related to COVID-19.


Author(s):  
UBADA AQEEL ◽  
MOHAMMAD DAUD ALI ◽  
ZEENAT IQBAL ◽  
MOHD. AAMIR MIRZA

Objective: In the given study, we have carried out a survey among general population of Delhi NCR (India) for the knowledge, perceptions, and attitude toward coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and also attempted to reach to a few conclusions in the form of recommendations. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire based online survey (using Google Forms) was conducted between April 2020 and May 2020 to investigative knowledge, perceptions, and attitude toward COVID-19. Chi-square test was used for the computation of p-value. Results: There were total 823 respondents, with 43.01% females and 56.98% males. Around 73.74% respondents believe that it has become a social stigma. About 75.09% were of the opinion that sneezing etiquettes can help in curbing the infection. About 93.43% of study population follows the personal hygiene, 24.78% wished to get insurance coverage. Similarly, interesting data were collected over different aspects of COVID-19. Conclusions: The current pandemic is the first exposure at such a large scale to the existing population but with the progression of time, authorities and general population are collating knowledge about the same. It is to be fought at all the fronts such as medical, social, economic, and psychological. Hence, this type of survey becomes an important tool in decision making.


2020 ◽  
pp. 232020682097225
Author(s):  
Rhythm Bains ◽  
Aseem P. Tikku ◽  
Vivek Kumar Bains ◽  
Promila Verma

Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of the patients regarding cross-infection in dental clinics in view of COVID-19, and its economic implications. Materials and Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional online survey done using Google Forms tool which was shared amongst 501 participants via e-mail and various social media platforms. It consisted of 42 structured questions regarding sociodemographics (seven questions), knowledge of COVID-19 (seven questions), practices regarding COVID-19 preventive methods (five questions), knowledge regarding cross-infection in dental clinics (nine questions), attitudes toward infection in dental clinics, and increased cost of treatment due to added disinfection protocols (14 questions). All the associations were tested using the chi-square test and with the P-value set at <.05. The significance level was taken as α = 0.05; therefore, a difference or association with P-value <.05 was considered statistically significant. The linear regression model was used to relate demographics with the knowledge attitude practices items, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Results: A total of 478 responses were assessed. 92.2% of the respondents had high knowledge regarding COVID-19, and only 48.1% had a high knowledge score regarding infection control in dental clinics. The respondents exhibited high scores for practice related to COVID-19 (83.9%) and attitude toward infection control in dental clinics (91.9%). Using the Pearson’s correlation coefficient, knowledge attitude practices variables showed a significant correlation amongst each other ( P < .001). Only 60% responded that extra infection control protocols will increase the treatment charges, and approximately 30% responded that they will not pay or were not sure of paying the extra charges. The proportion of respondents who were agreeing about paying the increase cost were independent of age ( P = .226), gender ( P = .328), education ( P = .085), and profession ( P = .121). Conclusion: A significant percentage of patients today have a lot of knowledge of COVID-19. Also, they have higher expectations than before from their dental health care providers regarding infection control.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Samantha Laws ◽  
Chao Wang ◽  
Mary Halter

Introduction: Changes in the paramedic profession have seen an increased range of medicines available within UK ambulances services. However, poor practice in medicines management has been identified by the Care Quality Commission. Literature in this area is sparse. This study aimed to determine the perceived knowledge, attitudes and practices of paramedics regarding pharmacology and the legal and regulatory issues of medicines management and administration.Methods: The study utilised a cross-sectional survey design, administering an anonymous online survey to all (approximately 1000) paramedics within one UK NHS ambulance trust. The survey focused on paramedic knowledge on pharmacology, legal supply and administration; self-assessment of knowledge and confidence related to medicine management and administration; and personal characteristics. The primary outcome was percentage of (pre-determined) correct answers.Results: 251 responses were received. The mean percentage of correct answers was 79.0% (SD 10.0), with variation by question observed, from 34.7 to 97.2% correct responses. A higher correct knowledge was associated with: higher self-rated confidence, lower self-reported knowledge, being less likely to report errors and higher education-based initial route into the paramedic profession.Conclusion: This single-site UK-based survey highlighted variation in medicines knowledge among self-selecting paramedic respondents. The results indicate a need for medicines-specific further education for all paramedics, particularly those who have not experienced longer formal education entry routes, integrating a focus on confidence and self-perceived knowledge, and enhancing and embedding integrated improvement strategies. Further research is required with larger, multi-site samples, and to evaluate the impact of education packages developed.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satyajit Kundu ◽  
Abu Sayeed ◽  
Hasan Al Banna ◽  
Musammet Rasheda Begum ◽  
Tapos Kormoker ◽  
...  

The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/ COVID-19) rapidly infects people across the world, leading to a massive public reaction. Peoples’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards measures for prevention of the spread of COVID-19 are the most important for the control and prevention of the pandemic infectious disease. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude &amp; practices (KAP) towards measures for prevention of the spread of COVID-19 among Bangladeshi residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey of 1765 respondents was conducted through the social media networks of authors. The respondents were older than 18 years, with an average age of 24.88 years (SD: 6.30). Approximately 15% of our participants received online training. The mean knowledge score was 14.49 (SD: 1.8, ranging: 0-17), and the overall correct response rate on this knowledge test was 85%. About 67.2 % scored well (above the mean: 4.5, range: 1-5) regarding the practices. To avoid the infection, 96.6% wear mask outside the home, and 98.7% washed hand with soap when came back. COVID-19 knowledge score was significantly associated with a lower risk of (OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.79-0.92) of negative attitudes. Again, the awareness score was associated with a lower likelihood of (OR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.87-0.98) of poor practices. Online health education programs focusing on young people, housewife and people with less education may potentially improve the attitudes and practices to control the COVID-19 pandemic in long term in such a low resource setting.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document