Understanding of general people about COVID-19: A cross-sectional online survey and qualitative presentation

Abstract

Objective: To identify general people’s actual knowledge, awareness, and perception about COVID-19 and to facilitate healthcare organizations, responsible authority, and general people. Material and Methods: Cross sectional online survey. Necessary data have been collected from the responses of questionnaires and the questionnaires have been developed utilizing Google form. The study covered 50 participants from various countries from the author's network. We considered a systematic flow diagram from March 25 to March 31, 2020 including demographic information of participants. Results: Al-most 74% of the participants clearly describe and explain all the ques-tions and still, 26% of the participants are not clear about their idea regarding COVID-19 disease. Moreover, the perceptions provided by the participants are also close to the guidelines of WHO and National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China regarding COVID-19. Only few participants’ understandings are not fully com-pleted compared to their guidelines. The current mental status was also analyzed in this study wherein 51% participants stated that they are suffering from mental stress and depression due to this virus. Conclusion: It is necessary to identify and improve the actual knowledge, aware-ness, and perception to control the spread of COVID-19. More awareness activities from responsible authority are required. Moreover, this survey will facilitate healthcare organizations and responsible authority to design their awareness activities in this critical moment. Additionally, general people will get benefited and prepared themselves to read the perceptions of the individual participator.