COVID-19 and Moroccan nursing students: A multicentre cross-sectional survey on their related knowledge, attitudes and practices

Abstract

Aim: To assess knowledge, attitudes and practices of Moroccan nursing students towards COVID-19. Design: Cross-sectional study. Method: Data were collected using an online questionnaire consisted of demographic characteristics and 24 items about COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes and practices. Results: A total of 1,216 nursing students participated in this study. About 82% of the participants reported that the COVID-19 virus spreads via respiratory droplets of infected individuals. The most clinical symptoms of COVID-19 correctly identified by participants were fever (97.6%), dry cough (92.4%), dyspnoea (82%) and fatigue (74.9%). More than 56.6% of the participants were afraid of being affected by COVID-19. Almost all participants reported that they avoid crowded places frequently. About 93.4% of the participants declared frequently wearing face mask when leaving home, and 85.5% maintained social distancing frequently. However, only 47.4% reported that they frequently washed their hands. About 51% stated that coronavirus outbreak has considerably changed their daily routines.