Abstract
In Bangladesh, an array of measures have been adopted to control the rapid spread of the COVID-19 epidemic. Such general population control measures could significantly influence perception, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards COVID-19. Here, we assessed KAP towards COVID-19 immediately after the lock-down measures were implemented and during the rapid rise period of the outbreak. Online-based cross-sectional study conducted from March 29 to April 19, 2020, involving Bangladeshi residents aged 12-64 years, recruited via social media. After consenting, participants completed an online survey assessing socio-demographic variables, perception, and KAP towards COVID-19. Of the 2017 survey participants, 59.8% were male, the majority were students (71.2%), aged 21-30 years (57.9%), having a bachelor's degree (61.0%), having family income >30,000 BDT (50.0%), and living in urban areas (69.8). The survey revealed that 48.3% of participants had more accurate knowledge, 62.3% had more positive attitudes, and 55.1% had more frequent practices regarding COVID-19 prevention. Majority (96.7%) of the participants agreed 'COVID-19 is a dangerous disease', almost all (98.7%) participants wore a face mask in crowded places, 98.8% agreed to report a suspected case to health authorities, and 93.8% implemented washing hands with soap and water. In multiple logistic regression analyses, COVID-19 more accurate knowledge was associated with age and residence. Sociodemographic factors such as being older, higher education, employment, monthly family income >30,000 BDT, and having more frequent prevention practices were the more positive attitude factors. More frequent prevention practice factors were associated with female sex, older age, higher education, family income > 30,000 BDT, urban area residence, and having more positive attitudes. To improve KAP of general populations is crucial during the rapid rise period of a pandemic outbreak such as COVID-19. Therefore, development of effective health education programs that incorporate considerations of KAP-modifying factors is needed.
Highlights
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID -19) is a global public health threat and has evolved to become a pandemic crisis around the world, which is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome, coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) [1]
In response to this serious situation, COVID-19 was declared as a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 30 and called for collaborative efforts of all countries to prevent the rapid spread of COVID-19 [2]
This study was conducted aiming at measuring the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of COVID-19 and perceptions regarding the disease among Bangladeshi people
Summary
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID -19) is a global public health threat and has evolved to become a pandemic crisis around the world, which is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome, coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) [1]. In response to this serious situation, COVID-19 was declared as a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 30 and called for collaborative efforts of all countries to prevent the rapid spread of COVID-19 [2]. In Bangladesh, the first confirmed case was reported on 8 March 2020 [3]. As of 01 June 2020, according to the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), in Bangladesh 49,534 confirmed cases were reported, including 10,597 (21.4%) who recovered, and 672 (1.36%) related deaths [3]. The highest attack rate (AR) was observed in Dhaka city (874.9/ 1,000,000), followed by (2,040/1,000,000), followed by Narayanganj district (616.2/1,000,000), Munshiganj (432.4/1,000,000), Gazipur (168.7/1,000,000), Gopalganj (145.7/1,000,000) [3]
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