Abstract
This highly contagious zoonotic corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) spread to most parts of the world (200 countries) and created a public health emergency. Due to its novel nature and indistinctness, different sources of information and suggestions were developed to guide the individuals about its transmission and prevent its infection. Responses to the active intervention efforts have posed some relevant questions on population understanding and attitudes toward COVID-19. The present study is aims to assess the COVID-19 related knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) in a heterogeneous Indian population. 501 respondents across India participated in a questionnaire-based online survey from April 2020 to May 2020. The questionnaire incorporated 56 questions about demographic characteristics and KAP dimensions. The mixed (quantitative and qualitative) methods were employed to evaluate KAP dimensions. Descriptive analysis was estimated as means, SD, and proportion. The bivariate (χ2), correlation, and regression analysis were utilized for the response analysis. In addition, qualitative analysis, including content and thematic analysis were done for open-ended questions. High knowledge and positive attitude were reported in more than half of the study population, with a proportion of 58.6% and 62.1%, respectively. Education shows a significant difference in the knowledge and attitude dimensions. The good practice (50.5% of the total population) reported a significant difference in age and gender categories with the test of independence (χ2). Prevention (56.89%) in knowledge domain and risk (17.56%), information-seeking (45.51%), prevention (51.50%), and treatment-seeking (54.29%) in attitude domains recorded low proportion. KAP variables were found in association in Pearson correlation analysis. In logistic regression analysis, knowledge was the strongest predictor for the positive attitude, whereas attitude was reported as the best predictor for good practice outcome. The study presents a moderate level of covid related knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Indian population.
Highlights
This highly contagious zoonotic corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) spread to most parts of the world (200 countries) and created a public health emergency
Peer Review History: PLOS recognizes the benefits of transparency in the peer review process; we enable the publication of all of the content of peer review and author responses alongside final, published articles
The proportion of the population having adequate knowledge regarding COVID-19 was assumed to be 50% as no similar study was conducted in the study population, level of significance 5%, and margin of error 5% were considered for calculation and target sample size for the survey was calculated as 385 using formula (“Sample Size = (Distribution of 50%) / ((Margin of Error%/ Confidence Level Score)2)”)
Summary
This highly contagious zoonotic corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) spread to most parts of the world (200 countries) and created a public health emergency. Due to its novel nature and indistinctness, different sources of information and suggestions were developed to guide the individuals about its transmission and prevent its infection. Responses to the active intervention efforts have posed some relevant questions on population understanding and attitudes toward COVID-19. The present study is aims to assess the COVID-19 related knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) in a heterogeneous Indian population
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
