Abstract

SURVEY ON KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND BELIEFS REGARDING COVID-19 VACCINATION AMONG CITIZENS OF METROPOLITAN CITIES OF MAHARASHTRA

Varsha Vaze*, Kinnari Chakkerwar, Siddhi Gawand, Priyanka Khilari, Akash Pokharkar and Vinay Tekawade

ABSTRACT

The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic in March 2020 and ever since world is engaged in efforts to combat the disease. It is a public health crisis and has severely affected human life. One of the most effective means was found to be vaccinating for immunity against the virus. The aim of the study was to estimate the knowledge, attitude and beliefs of citizens of metropolitan cities of Maharashtra regarding COVID-19 vaccination. The objective of the study was to describe the knowledge and beliefs of citizens towards COVID-19 vaccination and the attitude of citizens regarding acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination. It was a Cross- sectional survey using Snowball sampling method. The study sample constituted of 542 citizens of the state of Maharashtra metropolitan region. The data for the survey was collected through a structured questionnaire using social media platform. Descriptive statistics was used for statistical data analysis. Significant number of educated Study participants from metropolitan cities of Maharashtra had knowledge of spread, prevention and control of COVID-19. However, proportion of participants who were willing to take the vaccine was similar to those who had „Wait and Watch Attitude‟

Keywords: Willingness to vaccinate, Knowledge, Belief.