Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward COVID-19 Among Sherubtse College Students in Bhutan: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Thinley Dorji,Kinley Wangdi,Yezer Yezer,Karma Wangmo,Tshokey Tshokey,Tashi Wangchuk

doi:10.3389/fpubh.2021.721493

Abstract

Bhutan has reopened schools and colleges after an initial closure to contain coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission. However, the risk of transmissions is higher in the schools and colleges due to crowding. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward COVID-19 among the students of Sherubtse College in Bhutan. A cross-sectional study using a questionnaire was conducted in September 2020 among the students of Sherubtse College, Bhutan. The questionnaire was made in the Google Forms and administered through a social forum WeChat app. The KAP scores were calculated that include mean scores. The association between the KAP was assessed using the Pearson's correlation coefficient. A total of 613 students participated in the survey. The majority of the participants (57%) were female and 56% were from the third year. The mean knowledge score was 10.7 (SD = 1.7; range 0–14), mean attitude score of 3.67 (SD = 1.0; range: 0–5), and mean practice score of 5.19 (SD = range: 0–6). A majority of the students had good knowledge (98%) and practice (93.5%) scores, and a positive attitude (86.6%) toward COVID-19. A positive but weak correlation between good knowledge and practice (r = 0.1, p = 0.0126) was observed. Having a positive attitude led to practicing appropriately most of the time (r = 0.1866, p < 0.001). The students had good KAP scores and followed the COVID-19 prevention protocols advocated by the government. Good knowledge and a positive attitude were translated into good practice. Therefore, the education campaign of the Bhutan government seems to be effective in the students.

Highlights

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the new coronavirus strain severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has infected more than 172 million people as of June 7, 2021 [1] with 2.93 million deaths
We evaluated KAP toward COVID-19 among the students of Sherubtse College in Bhutan
This study showed 98% had a good level of knowledge, 87% had a positive attitude, and 98% reported good practice on COVID-19

Summary

Introduction

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the new coronavirus strain severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has infected more than 172 million people as of June 7, 2021 [1] with 2.93 million deaths. As a result, it is one of the serious public health problems worldwide in the Twenty first century. Bhutan adopted proactive prevention methods to limit community transmission. This included a mandatory facility quarantine for returning traveler for 2 weeks from March 16, 2020 [10]. The government has instituted enhanced COVID-19 surveillance whereby 10% of health workers, frontline workers, and school students need to be tested for COVID-19 fortnightly [12]

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