Abstract
Coronavirus disease 19 is currently a global health threat. Viral spread prevention is essential as a feasible intervention strategy. The aim of this study was to determine the level of community knowledge, attitude, and perception towards Covid-19 in Aceh province. An electronic questionnaire was shared with 1,058 participants in the Covid-19 seminars organized by IMANI-PROKAMI Aceh Chapter (Islamic Medical Association and Network of Indonesia - Perhimpunan Profesi Kesehatan Muslim Indonesia), which were held between August 30th to Sept 20th, 2020. The questionnaire collected demographic data as well as data related to knowledge, perception, and attitude towards Covid-19 prevention. There were 1,058 survey participants, 841 (79.5%) of them were women, 366 (34.6%) were between 26 and 35 of age, 705 (66.6%) had a college degree and 540 (51.0%) were government employees. Most of participants had good knowledge and attitude about Covid-19 and its prevention. However, 44.1% of participants believed that the virus was created in research laboratories, as a result of conspiration (35.4%), and related to political issues (20%). They doubted the accuracy of Covid-19 diagnostic test (52.5%) and effectiveness of vaccines (28.2%). The results show multiple cases of misinformation around Covid19. Therefore, stakeholders need to counteract the community misperception towards disease by a transparent and strategic collaboration between society, government, and media, to increase positive perception, attitude, and practice of the community toward Covid19’s prevention.
Highlights
The unprecedented pandemic of Covid-19 [1] has altered the way public live
In order to develop the herd immunity, vaccination, social distancing, and good critical care services remain best strategies to decrease mortality. [5,6] as the number of people infected with COVID-19 grows, Indonesia and many other countries are, or will be, overburdening their health-care systems
Individual risk perception was influenced toward the threat. [11,12] Besides, individual knowledge, attitude, and practices will shape their readiness to fight against the disease, in line with societal conformity of the proposed regulations. [11,12,13]
Summary
The unprecedented pandemic of Covid-19 [1] has altered the way public live. The total confirmed cases and deaths worldwide increased at an alarming rate [2]. After 17 months since the first case of Covid-19 in Hubei Province, China, Indonesia bears a heavy burden, counting the highest case prevalence and fatality rate in Southeast Asia. Catastrophic damages in public health, economic and social stability has been severely affected the country.[3,4]. In order to develop the herd immunity, vaccination, social distancing, and good critical care services remain best strategies to decrease mortality. [5,6] as the number of people infected with COVID-19 grows, Indonesia and many other countries are, or will be, overburdening their health-care systems. Strengthening the non-pharmaceutical intervention including 5M (Wearing mask, washing hands with soap, social distancing, avoiding the crowd and mobility restriction) in Indonesia is an essential effort to decrease casualties and flatten the curve. Individual risk perception was influenced toward the threat. [11,12] Besides, individual knowledge, attitude, and practices will shape their readiness to fight against the disease, in line with societal conformity of the proposed regulations. [11,12,13]
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