scholarly journals Awareness among general public of India towards COVID-19 pandemic: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vikas Maharshi ◽  
Puja Puja ◽  
Dheeraj Kumar Jakhar ◽  
Vishwajeet Singh

Abstract Background: Control of a pandemic is influenced considerably by practices followed by the general public which in turn is supposed to be influenced by the knowledge and its attitude. The study intended to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) among the general public of India towards transmission of COVID-19.Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was prepared from the awareness material available on the WHO and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India websites. The questionnaire contained 35 items (scored and un-scored both) in total (‘9’ from each viz KAP and ‘8’ to collect demographic details) and was sent to 600 people through e-mail for convenience sampling. The scores for KAP for an individual could range from 0-9, -5 to 5 and 0-8 respectively. Demographic variables were compared for scores attained and an association among KAP was measured.Results: A total of 229 volunteers representing different states/union territories were included in the analysis. The mean+SD scores attained for KAP were 3.9+1.9, 2.6+2.1, and 5.9+1.9 respectively. Around 39.7% of the individuals had adequate knowledge (score >50% of the maximum), 82.1% showed positive attitude (score >0) and 82.9% revealed appropriate practices (score >50% of the maximum). The scores attained by different age groups and genders were comparable. A fair correlation between KA, KP, and a good correlation between AP was found. The associations of KAP with each other were statistically significant (p<0.001).Conclusion: A positive attitude and appropriate practices were seen in the majority whereas adequate knowledge was there in a fair number of participants. Overall awareness among the general public of India was satisfactory.

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 5134-5140
Author(s):  
Saswatika Beura ◽  
Lipilekha Patnaik ◽  
Manisha Sahoo ◽  
Sumitra Pattanaik

Majority women attain menopause without having adequate knowledge and approaches to cope with the menopausal changes. So, they face many physical and psychological disorders during their menopause. Awareness, positive attitude and healthy practice towards menopause can help women to reduce their menopausal symptoms. Women who are had menopause more than 12 months were included in the study. In this study, 80.8% women had poor knowledge and 73.1% women having positive attitude towards menopause. But none of the participants reported healthy practices in their menopause. 44.2% women had knowledge that postmenopausal bleeding was abnormal, 36.5% women said that menopause is associated with many chronic diseases and 32.7% said that menstruation does not stop suddenly at the time of menopause. In our study 90.4% of participants positively accepted their menopause. Knowledge score was significantly associated with age and education. The perceived poor knowledge and practice towards menopause require more efforts for creating mass awareness about this issue.


Author(s):  
Ashok Jadhao ◽  
Monali Mamilwar

Background: Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease which affects all warm-blooded animals. Human infection usually occurs following transdermal bite or scratch by infected animal. Rabies is fatal but preventable disease. Around the world, knowledge, attitude and practices studies about rabies have been widely used to understand disease and preventive measures.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the anti- rabies clinic of the tertiary care hospital of central India from January 2020 to March 2020. Data was collected using pre-designed, semi structured questionnaire from 424 participants. Descriptive statistics and chi square test were applied.Results: A total 424 attendees participated in our study. Mean age of participant was 35.94 (±15.3) years, 60.37% were male and 39.63% were female. Overall, 53.77% of participants had adequate knowledge and 60.38% had positive attitude and 68.63% had adopted adequate practices towards rabies. A significant association was found between knowledge score and age, gender, education and occupation. Attitude score was significantly associated with age, gender, occupation and education. A significant association was found between practice score and age, gender and education.Conclusions: The study showed that majority of participant had adequate knowledge, positive attitude and adopted appropriate practices about rabies. However there exists some knowledge gaps among participants on treatment and preventive measures. Their knowledge, attitude and practices with respect to prevention and management of rabies can be improved by providing proper health education.


Author(s):  
Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh ◽  
Azimatun Noor Aizuddin ◽  
Abdulaziz Abdullah Al-Salem ◽  
Khalid Abdulrahman Al-shetaily ◽  
Fawziah Hassan Al-Owayyid

Cross sectional study was conducted to evaluate the Attitudes and awareness level of Citizens towards COVID-19 vaccination in Qassim region.  The present study’s results showed that awareness of COVID-19 Vaccination in Qassim region- Saudi Arabia shows that the mean score of awareness was 3.49 (SD 0.864) out of 5.   Regarding vaccination decision among Saudi citizens in Qassim region, (22.7%) of the participants were undecided, (14.7%) refused, and (62.6%) agreed to get a vaccine against COVID-19. Reason for vaccine refusal mainly was they don't believe the vaccine. 96 Participants (32.0%) were working in the healthcare sector, (44.8%) of them had received the COVID-19 Vaccine, and (38.5%) refused. The level of awareness among healthcare participants was (80.2%). The average knowledge score was 3.49 (SD =.864) out of a possible 5. Participants who reported having a graduate level of education had a considerably higher mean knowledge score. The mean score of attitudes was 1.95 (SD=1.176) out of 5, with majority of positive attitude score 62.7%. ((65.7% They received the first dose, and 6.0% they received the first dose and second dose)). Participants with age group 55 years and above years, are more aware towards COVID-19 Vaccination than other age groups. Married persons are more aware towards COVID-19 Vaccination than other categories. Participants with graduate educational level are more aware towards COVID-19 Vaccination than other educational levels. Employed persons are more aware towards COVID-19 Vaccination than other categories. Whereas, there is no relation between age and awareness among Saudi citizens towards COVID-19 (P-value= 0.140). As well, there is no relation between employed citizens and awareness among Saudi citizens towards COVID-19 (P-value =0.136), and there is relation between marital status and awareness among Saudi citizens (P-value = 0.013).


Author(s):  
Saba Tariq ◽  
Sundus Tariq ◽  
Mukhtiar Baig ◽  
Muhammad Saeed

Abstract Objectives: We aimed to investigate knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding coronavirus in a sample of the general Pakistani population. Methods: This survey was carried out through The University of Faisalabad (TUF), Pakistan, between February 2020 to April 2020. The questionnaire was circulated on various online platforms to gather information. The data was analyzed on SPSS-22. Results: Out of 2121 respondents [13.7% were male, and 86.3% were females], 7.4% were married, 4.5% had a high income, 5.8% had fewer family members. COVID-19 knowledge scores were significantly low in < 21 years age group as compared to 21 to 25 (p < 0.001) and >25 years age group (p < 0.001). The males, married community, high income people, few family members had significantly higher coronavirus knowledge than respective groups (p = 0.033; p = 0.001; p < 0.001; p = 0.042, respectively). Conclusion: Our findings suggest knowledge score among our study population was not up to the mark. However, a positive correlation between the correct knowledge and appropriate attitude and practice was found among study participants. Older age groups and the group of high income were associated with adequate knowledge scores.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nafees Ahmad ◽  
Amer Hayat Khan ◽  
Irfanullah Khan ◽  
Amjad Khan ◽  
Muhammad Atif

Aim. To evaluate doctors’ knowledge, attitude, and practices and predictors of adherence to Malaysian hypertension guidelines (CPG 2008). Methods. Twenty-six doctors involved in hypertension management at Penang General Hospital were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Doctors’ knowledge and attitudes towards guidelines were evaluated through a self-administered questionnaire. Their practices were evaluated by noting their prescriptions written to 520 established hypertensive outpatients (20 prescriptions/doctor). SPSS 17 was used for data analysis. Results. Nineteen doctors (73.07%) had adequate knowledge of guidelines. Specialists and consultants had significantly better knowledge about guidelines’ recommendations. Doctors were positive towards guidelines with mean attitude score of 23.15±1.34 points on a 30-point scale. The median number of guidelines compliant prescriptions was 13 (range 5–20). Statistically significant correlation (rs = 0.635, P<0.001) was observed between doctors’ knowledge and practice scores. A total of 349 (67.1%) prescriptions written were guidelines compliant. In multivariate analysis hypertension clinic (OR = 0.398, P=0.008), left ventricular hypertrophy (OR = 0.091, P=0.001) and heart failure (OR = 1.923, P=0.039) were significantly associated with guidelines adherence. Conclusion. Doctors’ knowledge of guidelines is reflected in their practice. The gap between guidelines recommendations and practice was seen in the pharmacotherapy of uncomplicated hypertension and hypertension with left ventricular hypertrophy, renal disease, and diabetes mellitus.


Author(s):  
Lakshmi K

Objectives: This study was aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of primipara mothers regarding breast feeding. Methodology: quantitative non experimental - descriptive research design was adopted. The study was conducted in MES medical college hospital with the sample size of 50 primipara mothers by using non probability- purposive sampling technique. Results: The knowledge score of primipara mothers regarding breast feeding were 4 (8.0%) had inadequate knowledge, 35 (70%) had average knowledge, 11 (22%) had adequate knowledge. The attitude score of the primipara mothers regarding breast feeding reveals that 2 (4.0%) had neutral attitude, 48 (96%) had positive attitude towards breast feeding. Correlation of knowledge and attitude of primipara mothers regarding breast feeding represents that mean knowledge and attitude score of primipara mothers regarding breast feeding was 14.3 and 48.74 respectively. Correlation coefficient(r) value is 0.041, which indicates statistically non significant. find the association between the knowledge and attitude with selected demographic data illutrates that there is a significant association of knowledge score with their type of family (p <0.05) and there is no significant association of knowledge score with the age, education, occupation, religion, residence, age at marriage, sex of the baby, previous knowledge on breast feeding ( p > 0.05). there is no significant association of attitude score with the with demographic data ( p >0.10). conclusion: This study was identified that 70% of the primipara mothers had average knowledge and 96% had positive attitude towards breast feeding. It implies that majority of the primipara mothers was received previous information regarding breast feeding in this study had a major role to enhance the knowledge and attitude of primipara mothers regarding breast feeeding.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda A. Fondjo ◽  
Vivian E. Boamah ◽  
Adelaide Fierti ◽  
Dorcas Gyesi ◽  
Eddie-Williams Owiredu

Abstract Background Pre-eclampsia (PE) is one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality globally. Adequate knowledge about a disorder contributes greatly to its prevention, control and management. This study assessed the level of knowledge of PE and evaluated the factors associated with knowledge adequacy among pregnant women attending antenatal care at a University Hospital in Kumasi-Ghana. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at the University Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. A validated closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information and history of PE. Knowledge of PE was assessed based on a series of questions regarding the awareness, signs/symptoms, risk factors and complications of PE. Responses were scored percentage-wise and grouped into low (< 60%), moderate (60–80%) and high (80–100%). Knowledge score was then re-stratified into adequate (% score of ≥60%) and inadequate knowledge of PE (% score of < 60%). Results The prevalence of inadequate and adequate knowledge of PE was 88.6% (mean score = 55.5 ± 4.3%) and 11.4% (mean score = 76.3 ± 5.9%), respectively. For participants with adequate knowledge of PE, 9.1% (mean score = 67.4 ± 6.9%) and 2.3% (mean score = 85.2 ± 5.1%) had moderate and high knowledge, respectively. Using univariate logistic regression models, being older (> 35 years old) [cOR = 3.09, 95%CI (0.88–10.88), p = 0.049] and having a higher level of education (> SHS education) [cOR = 4.45, 95%CI (2.18–9.10), p < 0.0001] were significantly associated with greater odds of having adequate knowledge of PE. After controlling for potential confounders in multivariate logistic regression analysis, we found higher level of education to be independently associated with adequate knowledge of PE [aOR = 2.87, 95%CI (1.31–6.30), p = 0.008]. Conclusion The knowledge of PE among pregnant women in Ghana is low. The prominent factor that facilitates adequacy of knowledge of PE is higher level of education.


2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 182-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dina Keumala Sari ◽  
Rina Amelia ◽  
Ridha Dharmajaya ◽  
Liza Meutia Sari ◽  
Nadya Keumala Fitri

AbstractThe increasing number cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections in the general population in Indonesia raises questions concerning the public’s knowledge and attitudes regarding this pandemic. To determine the correlation between the general public’s knowledge and attitudes regarding the COVID-19 outbreak 1 month after the first cases were reported in Indonesia. This cross-sectional study was conducted between early March and the end of April 2020 in the general population of Indonesia, beginning with the North Sumatra region, where the spread of COVID-19 in Indonesia began. Questionnaires were randomly distributed online in the red zone in Indonesia. Data were collected by collecting people’s responses to the questionnaire, which were distributed via WhatsApp (WA) application and were competed independently by the participants. A descriptive analysis was conducted to describe the demographic characteristics, knowledge, and attitudes of the general population. A total of 201 people had good knowledge (98%) and a positive attitude (96%) regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The respondents had a negative attitude in relation to two aspects of the COVID-19 outbreak: having to always maintain a distance of 1.5 m when in crowds, and not being able to regularly exercise or eat nutritious food (78.6% and 79.1%, respectively). Most people in Indonesia have good knowledge and a positive attitude regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. However, negative attitudes were still found in this study, and as a result, transmission prevention measures cannot reach their maximum effectiveness by simply publicizing the increase in day-to-day cases to the general public.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (S 01) ◽  
pp. S63-S69
Author(s):  
Khalid Almas ◽  
Abdul Samad Khan ◽  
Afsheen Tabassum ◽  
Muhammad Ashraf Nazir ◽  
Ashar Afaq ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective The aim of this study is to assess knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practices of dental professionals regarding the prevention and control of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Pakistan. Materials and Methods General dentists and dental specialists working in public and private dental practices, hospitals, and academic institutions participated in this cross-sectional study. A pilot-tested questionnaire was sent to dental professionals through an online link in Pakistan and data collection was completed in April-May 2020. The knowledge score was calculated from 22 variables about the COVID-19. Results The study included data of 343 dental professionals with 47.2% of males and 52.8% of females. The mean knowledge score was 16.78 ± 2.25, and it significantly differed between general dentists (16.55 ± 2.36) and dental specialists (17.15 ± 2.04) (p = 0.020), and those with up to 10 years of experience (16.58 ± 2.28) and those with more than 10 years of experience (17.05 ± 2.2) (p = 0.026). Only 15.5% of the participants were comfortable in treating patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. A workshop/seminar on the COVID-19 was attended by 23% of the participants. In multivariate analysis, being comfortable in treating patients (odds ratio = 3.31, 95% confidence interval = 1.63, 6.73) was associated with the attendance of workshop/seminar on COVID-19. Conclusions Dental professionals had adequate knowledge about COVID-19, but a few of them were comfortable in treating patients during the pandemic. A minority of dental professionals attended a workshop/seminar on the COVID-19. Continuous education activities should be provided to dental professionals to enhance their role in the prevention of COVID-19 spread and promotion of oral health.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eman Al-Hashemi ◽  
Abdullatif Ashkanani ◽  
Haneen Al-Qattan ◽  
Asmaa Mahmoud ◽  
Majd Al-Kabbani ◽  
...  

Background and Objectives. Attitudes toward students with epilepsy and epilepsy-related knowledge of teachers are crucial for child’s safety in the school. The aim of this study was to evaluate teachers’ knowledge and attitudes toward epilepsy.Methods. This cross-sectional study included 824 teachers from 24 randomly selected middle and high schools. Scale of Attitudes Toward Persons with Epilepsy (ATPE) was modified to assess teachers’ knowledge about epilepsy and attitudes toward students with epilepsy.Results. Median knowledge score about epilepsy was 5 (out of 13), while median attitude score was 10 (out of 15). Both knowledge and attitude median scores were significantly higher in senior teachers with longer teaching experience and in respondents who dealt with a person with epilepsy. There was significant association between knowledge score and attitude score (p<0.01). Logistic regression showed that significant variables, independently associated with poor knowledge after adjusting for possible confounders, were not having a family member with epilepsy (p=0.009), unawareness of life circumstances of persons with epilepsy (p=0.048), and a poor attitude score (p<0.001).Conclusion. School teachers in Kuwait have relatively poor knowledge about epilepsy but have positive attitudes toward students with epilepsy. A number of historical and stigmatizing ideas about epilepsy still exist. It is recommended to provide teachers with information about handling seizures in the educational setting through development and implementation of epilepsy education programs.


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