Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward COVID‑19 and its prevention among medical and dental students in an educational institution in Telangana

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) emerged as a global pandemic, threatening millions of lives worldwide. Everyone was overwhelmed by the plethora of information from different sources, creating confusion, misconceptions, and panic in the community. Aims: This study aimed to estimate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among medical and dental students toward COVID‑19 and to identify factors influencing them. Materials and Methods: A cross‑sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students enrolled in MBBS and BDS courses, and KAP scores were calculated using a self‑administered questionnaire. The statistical analysis was done by unpaired t test and one‑way analysis of variance. Results: MBBS students had higher KAP scores when compared with BDS students. Knowledge gaps were discovered in the areas of COVID‑19 transmission through blood, World Health Organization (WHO)‑designated variants of concern, disinfectant usage, and mandatory vaccination. A majority (91.33%) of the students had a positive attitude toward COVID‑19. Better knowledge and practice scores were significantly associated with vaccinated students and those who trusted government website resources. Conclusion: Curriculum modifications and creative teaching strategies can fill the lacunae in the KAP scores. Medical and dental students, as torchbearers of the healthcare fraternity, can play a critical role in raising awareness during public health emergencies.