Knowledge, attitude and practices towards COVID-19 pandemic in the community: a cross-sectional web-based survey in India

Authors

  • Shruti Shukla Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
  • Prerana Deotale Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20204246

Keywords:

Attitude, COVID-19, Knowledge, Practice

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease is a current new virulent disease rising its transmission and fatality with each passing day globally. People’s observance of the prevention measures is essential for controlling the spread of COVID-19, which is affected by their knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) towards COVID-19. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude, and practices towards COVID-19 in the community in India.

Methods: Present descriptive cross-sectional study was a web-based survey carried out between 15th July and 19th July 2020 among 570 participants in Maharashtra, India. A 30-item questionnaire distributed among the public using Google forms through social media networks.

Results: 97.4% participants knew contact with the infected person as a mode of transmission for COVID-19. Common symptoms of COVID-19 reported were difficulty in breathing (96.3%), fever (90.7%), cough (88.9%), sore throat (82.8%), etc. The majority of participants (>90%) had correct knowledge about preventive measures to stop the spread of COVID-19. Around 80% had a positive attitude that India will win the battle against the disease. More than 90% were practicing appropriate preventive measures while going out.

Conclusions: Majority of the Indian population demonstrated good knowledge, positive attitude, and good practices regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Author Biographies

Shruti Shukla, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

Assistant Professor

Department of Community Medicine

Government Medical College, Nagpur, Maharashtra

Prerana Deotale, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

Junior Resident

Department of Community Medicine

Government Medical College, Nagpur, Maharashtra

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Published

2020-09-24

How to Cite

Shukla, S., & Deotale, P. (2020). Knowledge, attitude and practices towards COVID-19 pandemic in the community: a cross-sectional web-based survey in India. International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 8(10), 3652–3656. https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20204246

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Section

Original Research Articles