Abstract

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE TOWARDS THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) OUTBREAK: A GENERAL PUBLIC BASED SURVEY IN DIFFERENT CITIES OF INDIA

Dr. Prem Kumar, N. M. Pharm, PH.D., *Dr. Shammi, Khan Pharm D., Dr. Prajwal, Pharm D., Dr. Manish Kumar Mehta, Pharm D.

ABSTRACT

Background: In India, SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused phenomenal loss of lives and overburdened the health system. Low morale, fatigue and inadequate knowledge among the population of India are perceived threats to pandemic control. Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) studies among citizens of four different cities can identify crucial knowledge gaps and gauge psychological impact. We aimed to assess the COVID-19 related current level of knowledge, attitude and practices among Indian population. Objectives: To conduct a survey on knowledge, attitude and practice of population of different cities of India towards the pandemic. To assess the KAP regarding COVID- 19 among the general population of different cities of India. Methodology: The study utilized a cross-sectional research design. Web-based questionnaires link was sent via emails and social media. Purposive sampling ensured only those participants that met the inclusion criteria. Validity and reliability were checked. Results: This study was conducted during the global COVID-19 pandemic in different cities of the India (New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Kolkata), in which 37.6% participants are from Bengaluru, 22.3% participants are from Mumbai, 26.2% participants are from New Delhi and 13.9% participants are from Kolkata. Participants shows good knowledge on mode of transmission, symptoms, average 82.77%, respectively. Our study shows that Indian population is performing moderate practices and showing good attitude towards covid-19. Our study shows that women demonstrated similar COVID-19 awareness compared to men. Conclusion: Promoting public knowledge about COVID-19 by the Ministry of Health is paramount in defeating this disease. Providing more education and awareness for public to comply with WHO’s recommendation is recommended.

Keywords: COVID-19; knowledge; attitude; practices; Indian population.