Knowledge, attitudes, and practice to COVID 19 infection among outpatients attending a general medicine department

Abstract

Background and Objectives: We aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding COVID-19 among general medicine outpatients. Materials and Methods: We recruited people attending a general medicine outpatient department of a tertiary hospital. We assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward COVID-19 using a specially designed questionnaire. Results: Two hundred and sixty-eight participants were recruited. The study documented high knowledge, positive attitude, and good practice among patients and their relatives. Knowledge was significantly associated with higher education (odds ratio [OR] = 2.87; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.127.36; P = 0.029) and the use of the Internet as a source of information about COVID-19 (OR = 5.17; 95% CI = 2.2611.85; P = 0.000). However, Internet use (OR = 0.23; 95% CI = 0.100.54; P = 0.001) was associated with a more negative attitude. Good practice was associated with high levels of knowledge (OR = 2.20; 95% CI = 1.223.96; P = 0.009), a positive attitude (OR = 2.31; 95% CI = 1.134.71; P = 0.022), and a professional or semi-professional occupation (OR = 2.80; 95% CI = 1.077.32; P = 0.036). Residence outside of the district (OR = 2.79; 95% CI = 1.077.32; P = 0.036) was associated with better practice related to COVID-19 suggesting people who travel greater distances for health care may be more motivated at maintaining better practice. Conclusion: The study found that good practice in relation to COVID-19 was associated with higher levels of knowledge, a positive attitude, professional occupation, and distance traveled to reach hospital.