Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding COVID-19 among Patients Attending the Dermatology Outpatient Department: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The current trend in the declining rates of new COVID-19 case detection may be attributed to better awareness and more robust screening and testing programs all across the country. Although there have been many studies on the impact of COVID-19 in India and its management, there are no studies currently regarding the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among the community. Objective: This study aims to study the KAP regarding COVID-19 attending the dermatology outpatient department in a tertiary care center. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted on 202 patients attending the dermatology outpatient department. After taking consent, the enrolled patients were directed to complete the COVID-19 KAP questionnaire, which was adapted from a previous study, and was translated into Hindi. Results: Our study showed a good knowledge score of 8.01 ± 1.94 for males and 7.71 ± 2.4 for females. The knowledge scores were similar in both genders and across all age groups and employment groups. The knowledge scores were significantly higher in those with higher education levels. Conclusion: Male gender, with higher education and a higher COVID-19 knowledge score, was also associated with a significantly more positive attitude. Females, with higher education and a higher COVID-19 knowledge score, were also found to have better protective measures against COVID-19.