Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices towards COVID-19 among Pakistani Population

Abstract

Objective: The current study analyzed the knowledge, awareness, and attitudes among the Pakistani population during the ongoing pandemic.

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional online survey-based study conducted from September 2020 to January 2021, among the general public of Pakistan. A structured pre-tested questionnaire was designed on Google Forms Inc. and shared via social media to collect data. The questionnaire included socio-demographic and measurable COVID-19 knowledge data. Assessments on participants’ knowledge and attitudes towards COVID-19 included questions on transmission, symptoms knowledge, and preventive measures.

Results: Among the survey completers (n=962), 61% (n=590) were male and 39% (n=372) were female. The majority of participants (53.6%) were aged 18-25 years and belonged to the province of Punjab (63.7%). The participants had moderate knowledge of 55.9% (n=538) regarding disease origin, clinical features, symptoms, and prevention. The majority (70%) of participants were aware that COVID-19 is a contagious and fatal disease. The participants (90%) knew that virus takes 2-14 days to shows its first symptom and normally affects the respiratory system (88%). The participants’ knowledge regarding washing hands with soap or sanitization (97%), covering the face while sneezing or coughing (90%), and strengthening the immune system (80%) was excellent. The majority (61%) of participants were concerned about infection with COVID-19 and 96% had a positive attitude for SARS-Cov-2 prevention.

Conclusion: Although a majority of the participants knew about COVID-19, knowledge, and attitude associated with COVID-19 and its prevention were not satisfactory. General awareness and sensitization about COVID-19 should be increased that will also overcome myths and misconceptions prevalent in the general population.