Knowledge and precautionary measures related to COVID-19 among university students of twin cities of Pakistan

Abstract

Background: As group activities are integral part of education, precautionary measures are vital to be taken by students to avoid spread of new strains of COVID 19. Perceptions and knowledge of students and their behavior are helpful to restrain the spread of disease. Objective: To assess knowledge and precautionary measures related to COVID-19 among university students of twin cities. Methods: It was a descriptive survey which was conducted through Google forms May to December 2020. Both male and female students aged 18 to 25 years, enrolled in different universities of twin cities participated. The data for the primary survey was gathered during the first wave of COVID-19, and for the second survey during the second wave. A total number of 280 male and female students participated in the primary survey. Similarly, 250 participated in the secondary survey. A semi structured questionnaire as Google form was posted on different online platforms (Email, WhatsApp, Facebook pages) which consisted of socio-demographics information; student's sources of information and knowledge regarding COVID and precautionary measures being practiced by them for prevention of disease spread. Results: Mean age of students participated in study was 22.26±2.58 years in primary survey and 22.68±2.28 years in secondary survey. In primary survey, 23.2% were male participants and 76.8% were females; while in secondary survey 16.8% were males and 83.2% were females. Majority of the students had sufficient knowledge and practiced precautionary measures during both waves of pandemic. Conclusion: Students of twin cities had sufficient knowledge regarding COVID-19 spread and they were practicing precautionary measures to avoid the disease.