A web based Cross Sectional Survey to assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards the COVID 19 among the residents of Gujarat, India

Dr. Meet M. Chauhan; Dr. Trusha R. Kansagara; Dr. Jaydeep Oza; Dr. Dipak Solanki

Volume : X, Issue : VI, June - 2020

A web based Cross Sectional Survey to assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards the COVID 19 among the residents of Gujarat, India

Dr. Meet M. Chauhan, Dr. Trusha R. Kansagara, Dr. Jaydeep Oza, Dr. Dipak Solanki

Abstract :

Background: The level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards communicable diseases can act as barrier for community spread and infection control. It is possible to apply necessary measures in forms of health education and behaviour change communication method to prevent spread of disease. Aims: This study aimed to examine the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward COVID 19 among the general population. Settings and Design: This was a cross–sectional, web based, observational study among the general population. Methods and Material: This study was carried out from 14th April to 24th April, 2020 using google form, WhatsApp application using principle of snowball technique. Information related to demographic profile and KAP about COVID 19 was collected and analysed. Results: The mean age of the participants were 27.5 years, with 73.1 % male and 70.8% from urban area. The mean score of knowledge, attitude and practices were 11.04, 7.04, 10.69 respectively with 72.1% good Knowledge, 78.2% had positive attitude and 62.9% had satisfactory practices to prevent the disease spread. There were a significant association between Knowledge level and practice (p=0.01) as well as attitude and practice(p<0.0001). There were significant differences regarding the knowledge, attitude and practices among age group, education levels, and place of residence. Multiple linear regression analysis showed lower level of education and rural place of living were significantly associated with lower knowledge score and increase in age, lower level of education and being male were significantly associated with poor practice. (p<0.05) Conclusions: overall knowledge and attitude is good in the study population with poor practices. This will require more intensified media campaign with efforts to change their behaviours. Poor knowledge in the rural area requires targeted intervention for awareness and behaviours change communication.