Self-Perception and Belief regarding Covid-19: An interventional study

Abstract

Background: In the era of active covid 19, most studies that were being done were able to assess the firm beliefs and practices among the population. Belonging to a developing country it was noted that the masses lacked education and awareness and the impact of this negligence was fatal among many. Objective: The study aims to evaluate the knowledge, awareness and perception of COVID-19 and see the effect of an awareness intervention in them. Method: Randomized interventional study was designed which include individuals aged between 18-65 years. Illiterate people and those with neuropsychiatric disorders were excluded. Participants who were previously infected with COVID-19 were also excluded. A total of 897 participants were invited throughout Pakistan to fill an online survey but only 606 participants met the inclusion criteria. Knowledge, attitudes and practice about COVID-19 were assessed via a questionnaire and reassessed after educating them. SPSSv21 was used to evaluate the data while different demographics variable were compared by t-test/Anova. Result: Out of 606 participant 44.4% (269) were male and 53.5% (324) were female. Most of the participant age between 20- 29, Furthermore 93.4% (566) participant were from urban setting. Majority of which from Sindh. Most of the participant were bachelors. Many participants were employee but they prefer not to disclose their monthly income. Participant predominately belong to the religion of Islam. Post intervention the attitude score changed significantly from pre intervention to post intervention (p-value <0.001). Conclusion: Our study concluded that Pakistani residents majority of which were female are somewhat affected but practice appropriate and optimistic approach during lockdown. Intervention has further cleared any doubts and confusion among them. With the intervention being most successful for ages 20-29 years old and least for the elder age group. Those who were single took more advantage compared to the married ones.