Knowledge regarding Immunity Boosting Measures for Self-care during COVID-19 crisis: Survey of Urban Community in Haryana
Background: In the wake of the Covid 19 outbreak, entire mankind across the globe is suffering. Enhancing the body’s natural defence system (immunity) plays an important role in maintaining optimum health. We all know that prevention is better than cure. While there is no medicine for COVID-19 as of now, it will be good to take preventive measures which boost our immunity in these times. The COVID-19 (also commonly called coronavirus) pandemic is causing a lot of changes in the daily lives of people around the world. However, there are things that can be done to maintain a healthy lifestyle in these difficult times. First and foremost, everyone is encouraged to follow World Health Organization (WHO) and governmental advice to protect against COVID-19 infection and transmission. Physical distancing and good hygiene are the best protection for everyone against COVID-19. Experiences from previous outbreaks have shown that as an epidemic evolves, there is an urgent need to expand public health activities beyond direct clinical management. The nutritional status of individuals has for long been considered as an indicator of resilience against destabilization. Method: A web-based, survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire to obtain responses from community people during the third week of May 2020. A 30-item survey instrument was developed using course materials available on WHO’s website on emerging COVID-19. The survey covered community people’s socio demographic profile, awareness, information sources, and knowledge related to maintenance of healthy dietary measures for self-care during COVID-19 pandemic. Result: The study findings suggests that majority of the study participants have poor knowledge score (45.25%), average knowledge (25.12%) and 29.63% respondents had adequate knowledge about self-care measures to follow to boosts immunity during COVID 19. Conclusion: The study concludes that participants had considerable poor to average knowledge regarding Immunity boosting measures for self-care. The enhancement in knowledge is greatly required on Immunity boosting measures for self-care to enhance the natural defense system of individual.