Knowledge, attitude, and practices toward COVID-19 of people staying in night shelters during lockdown in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a serious public health problem worldwide. Appropriate knowledge, attitude, and practices like wearing a mask always and in a proper manner, following social distancing and handwashing frequently are some measures required to protect oneself from COVID-19. Government of India and State Governments have created the lot of awareness.Objectives: To assess and determine the factors responsible for knowledge, attitude, and practices of people staying in night shelters toward COVID-19 in Kakinada.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 131 members staying in night shelters. The present study was carried out using the semi-structured questionnaire. Study participants were contacted and interviewed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices.Results: Majority were males (89.3%); 40.4% were married; 63.4% were from rural areas; 70.9% were migrant laborer; 55.7% were Hindu; 41.2% belonged to backward class; 37.4% were educated up to primary class; and 67.2% had income <400 INR per day. Mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 7.4 ± 2.78, 6.36 ± 2.59, and 4.36 ± 1.43, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that age group >50 years (vs. <50 years), location urban (vs. rural), marital status married (vs. separate, others), education primary (vs. illiterate, secondary, inter) were significantly associated with high knowledge score (P < 0.05). Age group <50 years, gender female (vs. males), and education illiterate (vs. primary and secondary) were significantly associated with positive attitude toward COVID-19 (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant correlation between practice and the sociodemographic variable.Conclusion: The overall knowledge, attitude among night shelters in Kakinada was just above average but with poor practices.