Community people preparedness and response on prevention and control of covid-19 best practice in Bangladesh

Abstract

PURPOSE: The major objectives of the study were to assess the knowledge, attitude & practice (KAP) towards community preparedness and response on prevention of COVID-19 among the community. METHOD: A sample survey was conducted to collect data from people admitted in a district level tertiary hospital for treatment of various health complications during COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 300 randomly selected patients and their attendants were interviewed in the hospital setting. RESULTS: The mean knowledge score was 18.73 out of 24 and the main sources of information were TV (86.5%), radio (13%), newspaper (13%), social media (13.5%), friends/relatives (14%), formal healthcare providers (6%) and religious leaders (3%). Knowledge was significantly poor among aged people, women, less educated and those on low incomes. The Majority of participants (79%) suggested wearing facemasks as effective tools to prevent COVID-19 from spreading, 56% mentioned maintaining of physical or social distance as crucial to prevent the infection. We found strong relationship between monthly total family expenses and wearing of facemasks by gender to prevent the COVID-19 (x2= 18.405; Cramer's V= .17, df = 8; sig; P= < .002). CONCLUSIONS: An awareness program on COVID-19 is very important to prevent the spread of the virus. Effective communication intervention with increasing treatment facilities is essential for prevention and control of COVID-19. Government and development agencies should prioritize the COVID-19 response program with regular health care services.