Knowledge, Attitude and Practices towards COVID-19 among Undergraduate Students in a Medical College of Delhi

Abstract

Background: Medical students play an important role in the prevention and control of COVID-19 by wayof disseminating knowledge regarding COVID-19 among the people. It is affected by their knowledge,attitude and practices about the disease.Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards COVID-19 in undergraduatemedical students.Methodology: A quick online survey was carried out among 316 participants with a self-designed, structuredquestionnaire in the form of goggle form. Cronbach’s alpha of the study instrument was 0.71.Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed by SPSS, version 25. Chi-square test, Student’s t-test, ANOVAand post hoc analysis were done.Results: A total of 316 participants completed the survey questionnaire. The mean COVID-19 knowledgescorewas 18.82±2.27 and overall 90% had correct knowledge. Knowledge scores significantly (p<0.05)differed across age-groups and semesters. In post hoc analysis, mean knowledge score in 2nd semesterstudents (18.11±2.55) was significantly (p<0.05) lower than that of 8th semester (19.56±1.66). Seventypercent respondents agreed that COVID-19 will finally be controlled,77.2% had confidence that India willwin the battle against COVID-19, and 90% of the respondents agreed that hand washing with soap waterwill prevent them from getting the infection. 96.2% participants avoid crowded places, 95.2% participantswore face masks while going outside home and 97.5%frequently washed hands with soap and water.Conclusion: In this study majority undergraduate students had good knowledge, showed optimistic attitudeand appropriate practice towards COVID-19. However, there is need and scope for improving knowledgeand practices so that every student adopts preventive and promotive measures against COVID-19.