Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding COVID amongGovernment High School Teachers of Mandya, Karnataka

Abstract

Background Many measures are being undertaken by our Government to control COVID-19. Peoplersquos adherence to such measures relies on their knowledge attitude and practices regarding COVID-19.Objective To determine the knowledge attitude and practice of government high school teachers of Mandya.Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted among government high school teachers from in and around Mandya city in June 2020. Teachers aged 32 to 55 years and gave informed consent were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Those with co morbid conditions like diabetes heart disease were excluded. Descriptive statistics like mean and proportions were used to present the analysed data.Results Out of 126 teachers almost all participants knew that coughing or sneezing transmitted the virus. 21.4 knew its fatality rate. Most teachers knew about that the elderly and persons with comorbidities were at risk. Almost all knew about the various measures that prevented Covid transmission. 95.2 knew that the diagnosis was done by testing the nasal swab. 72.2 were afraid that they would get infected with COVID. 88.5were afraid of getting quarantined isolated. Most opined that the lockdown was very effective and 61.9 reported that it had affected their mental health. While most reported practicing the various preventive measures strict adherence was followed by 15.1 to 24.6 teachers.Conclusion In our study overall knowledge regarding transmission symptoms diagnosis and preventive measures were known to majority of them. There are some lacunae in their knowledge. While most teachers were practicing COVID preventive measures not many adhered to them strictly. Keywords Knowledge Attitude Practice COVID-19 Teachers Mandya Cross Sectional Study