DOI: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-2287763/v1
The global catastrophe, it is pretty unnecessary to elaborate on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that brought about 2019. 43 million instances in India have been recorded, of which 42.4 million have recovered while more than 521 thousand people have succumbed to the pandemic as of July, 2022. Of late, the second wave of the infection and new variants of the virus have also surfaced across various latitudes and longitudes of the globe. Various control measures have been adopted globally, however, the success and effectiveness of the control measures are affected by people’s knowledge, practices and attitudes (KAP) towards the pandemic. Therefore, this study sought to ascertain the public's level of KAP toward COVID-19 in India. A cross-sectional online survey of Indian public was conducted between 31st January 2022 to 5th march 2022. The survey questionnaire consisted of demographic characteristics, pertaining to knowledge (15 items), attitude (9 items), and practices (9 items), modified from a previously published questionnaire on COVID-19 and Omicron. This study added KAP towards omicron variant. A total of 496 persons completed the survey. The average score of the knowledge towards COVID19 and Omicron of males were 11.33 ± 2.899/15 and females were 10.9 ± 2.595/15 respectively. Attitude scores of males were 3.65 ± 1.01/5 and females were 3.68 ± 1.02/5 respectively towards COVID19 and Omicron. Practice scores of males were 2.5 ± 0.56/3 and females were 2.5 ± 0.48/3 towards COVID19 and Omicron. The overall correct rate of knowledge questions was 73.33%, attitude questions were 6.87% and practice questions were 5.94% among the 496 participants. Maximum respondents demonstrated good level of knowledge (73.34%) and attitude (76.41%) while 66% were found to follow moderate practices towards the pandemic. The good practice skills, a considerable percentage (8.25%) of respondents never wore nose masks, washed hands, and maintained social distance (12.2%) during the outbreak. By the same token, 84.95% of the public were carrying sanitizers during covid and omicron pandemic. Due to the limited sample, we must be cautious when generalizing these findings to whole populations. From this result finding we can definitely say that general public of Gujarat have good KAP towards COVID 19 and omicron, still health education programs can improve KAP of people.
Coronavirus SARS-Cov-2 (COVID-19)
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and it has caused serious illness and numerous deaths. COVID19 is a global public health threat and has cause a pandemic crisis around the world. Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment.1 However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. Older people and those who has medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. Anyone despite of age can get sick with COVID-19 and omicron and become seriously ill or die. The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well informed about the disease and how the virus spreads.2 Protect yourself and others from infection by staying at least 6 feet apart from others, wearing a properly fitted mask, and washing your hands or using an alcohol-based rub frequently.3 Coronavirus is transmitted from person-to-person through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes.4 Get vaccinated when it’s your turn and follow local guidance. Despite the merits of rapid information dissemination through mass and social media for public health action, misinformation can also be easily propagated through the fake news and social media and misinterpretation. In addition, confusion surrounding basic information on how to reduce transmission and exposure to the virus puts the people at risk of infection.4 When people collectively engage in preventive behaviours, including practicing personal hygiene and maintaining social distance, it is possible to control the spread of the disease, according to recent studies highlighting those individual behaviours may dramatically decrease morbidity and mortality rates of COVID-19 and omicron.5
Omicron:
The new Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been called variant of concern by WHO based on the evidence that it has several mutations that may produces serious illness. There is consistent evidence that Omicron is spreading much faster than the Delta variant in countries with community transmission, with a doubling time of 2–3 days. The risk this new variant remains very high. The Omicron variant (B.1.1.529), a new variant of the coronavirus, was first reported in Botswana on November 11, 2021, and appeared on November 14 in South Africa.6 Omicron has spread to various countries in globe. When a virus is circulating widely and causing numerous infections, the likelihood of the virus mutating increases.6 The more opportunities a virus has to spread, the more it can produce changes.7 KAP study is a tool to find out the awareness and practices of the Gujarat public towards the COVID-19 assess gaps in knowledge, practices, and preventive measures.7 The importance of this KAP study is to understand the characteristics of the community and their behaviour toward COVID-19, which will allow the authorities to take effective measure.7The control of COVID-19 depends on the community commitment rather than health regulation so recognizing the existing perception and practices may help to identify attributes that influence the public in adopting health practices and responsive behaviours.7 Hence, this study was conducted to determine the knowledge level, attitudes, and practices toward COVID19, Omicron among the general public of Gujarat.
Study Design and Sample
This cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted from 31st January 2022 to 5th march 2022. Since it was not practical to do a community-based national sampling survey due to the critical period of time, we choose to collect the data through online mode. We adopted a cross-sectional survey design to evaluate the public’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices during the COVID-19 and omicron epidemic using an anonymous online questionnaire. First the survey was tested among 5 faculty members and selected 15 knowledge questions out of 20, 9 attitude questions out of 11 and 9 practice questions out of 10 by following IOCI (item objective congruence index).
This is a descriptive cross-sectional online survey conducted through a self-administered questionnaire targeting adult Gujarati people who were living inside India. The online questionnaire was designed using Google form that was accessible by clicking on a link; it was disseminated by the all investigators using social media such as Facebook and WhatsApp. This form contained a brief introduction and objectives of the survey in well-defined power point slide. Informed consent was obtained from each participant before participation. Pharm. students who were of Indian nationality and who agreed to participate in the study were instructed to complete the questionnaire by clicking the link. Although the questionnaire was also distributed by the college staff. Confidentiality of the study participant's information was maintained throughout the study by making the participant's information unidentified and asking the participants to provide true answers.
| The item objective congruence index | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section | Item | Faculty 1 | Faculty 2 | Faculty 3 | Faculty 4 | Faculty 5 | Total score | The IOCI |
| Knowledge | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0.80 |
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0.60 | |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 | |
| 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 | |
| 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 | |
| 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0.80 | |
| 7 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 | |
| 8 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 | |
| 9 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0.60 | |
| 10 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 | |
| 11 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0.80 | |
| 12 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 | |
| 13 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 | |
| 14 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 | |
| 15 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 | |
| 16 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 | |
| 17 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 | |
| 18 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 | |
| 19 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 | |
| 20 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 | |
| Attitude | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 |
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 | |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 | |
| 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0.60 | |
| 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 | |
| 6 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 | |
| 7 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 | |
| 8 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 | |
| 9 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 | |
| 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0.60 | |
| 11 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 | |
| Practice | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 |
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 | |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 | |
| 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 | |
| 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 | |
| 6 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 | |
| 7 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 | |
| 8 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 | |
| 9 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0.60 | |
| 10 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.00 | |
The data collection tool was adapted with modifications from an online survey done in Gujarat’s population and WHO COVID-19 and omicron rapid quantitative assessment tool. The questionnaire consisted of 36 items and divided into five parts (attached in the supplementary appendix). The first part investigated demographic variables and general information including age, gender, and education status. The second part consisting of consent form. The third part consisted of multiple-choice questions and yes/no questions- knowledge areas with 15 questions (mode of transmission, symptoms, at-risk groups, preventive measures); The fourth part consisted of 9 attitude questions (the danger of the disease, handwashing, masks use, social distancing and isolation of diseased patients) and The fifth part consisted of 9 practice questions including questions about family practice regarding the use of mask and social distancing, washing hands and handshaking.
The knowledge scores were calculated as one for yes answer and zero for wrong answer. Then each item was calculated separately. The mean and standard deviation for the knowledge were obtained.
For sociodemographic variables, gender was coded individually for men and women. Marital status was also coded individually for married and unmarried. Work status was broken down into job, business man, farmer, government employee, retired, housewife.
Answer choices for knowledge questions included true or false. Answers that were incorrect or doubtful (don't know) received a score of 0, while those that were right received a score of 1. The total score for knowledge ranged from zero to 15, with high scores indicating better knowledge of COVID-19 and omicron. In the section on attitudes, scores were calculated based on the respondents’ answers to each attitudinal statement based on Likert scales as on, 1 indicates a strong disagreement, 2- disagreement, 3 -neutrality, 4- agreement, and 5- strong agreement. Scores were calculated by averaging respondents’ answers to the statements. Total scores ranged from nine to 45, with high scores indicating positive attitudes. The Likert scales were assessed for internal reliability, using google form.
In the section on practices, respondents were asked to respond “never”, “sometimes” or “always” to the items. An average score was given to answers that reflected practice, and. The total score ranged from zero to nine, Comparison of demographic details of respondents with mean knowledge score was made by independent t - test and One-way ANOVA test. A P-value less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant.
Microsoft excel was used for IOCI, data entry and obtained data were transferred to draw the result. Chi-square test and One - way ANOVA test was used for intragroup and intergroup analysis.
Sample Characteristics
A total of 496 individuals responded to the online survey. The average time that was taken to complete the survey was 10 min. More than half of the study respondents (32.7%, N = 164) were female, and 67.3% (N = 337) were male; The average age of participants was 21 years, more than half of the study respondents 71.5% (N = 358) were unmarried and 28.5% (N = 143) respondents were married, and most of the study respondents were residents from Gujarat. About occupation, 64.7% (N = 324) were students, and 7.6% (N = 38) were government employees. In relation to the job of respondents, 16.6% (N = 83) and 11.1% (N = 51) were business man, farmers, housewives, retired respondents (Table 1).
Majority of the participants got the information regarding COVID‑19 and omicron from social media, followed by TV, radio, family/friends and newspaper. Majority were aware about the availability of COVID-19 vaccine.77.6% (N = 386) were taken two dose of vaccine, 6.5% (N = 32) were taken one dose of vaccine, 10.3% (N = 51) were taken two dose and additional precaution dose 1.6% (N = 8) were not taken vaccine (Table 3).
The mean knowledge score obtained by the participants was 10.56. Minimum score obtained was 0 and maximum score was 15. The median score was 11.
Table 2. Shows the sociodemographic characteristics of the study participants.
|
Characteristics |
Frequency (%) |
|
Gender |
|
|
Male |
64.30% |
|
Female |
32.70% |
|
Marital status |
|
|
Married |
28.5% |
|
Unmarried |
71.5% |
|
Occupation |
|
|
Job |
16.60% |
|
Business man |
5.80% |
|
Farmer |
6% |
|
Housewife |
4% |
|
Retired |
0.70% |
|
Government employee |
7.60% |
|
Student |
64.70% |
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning COVID-19
Knowledge
Most respondents answered about 11/15 knowledge items correctly. Respondents appeared to be knowledgeable about diagnose for covid 19 and omicron virus through RT-PCR test (95.5% answered correctly, 4.5% incorrectly) (table 3). The high prevalence of misunderstanding was discovered in a knowledge item, with participants believing that the best preventive measure for covid-19 and omicron is to wear mask and social distancing instead of stay at home. Only 43.3% correctly answered the true statement, 27.7% believed in social distancing, and 26.1% said to wear mask. Almost all participants (98.8 %) correctly choose 14 days as the quarantine period (14 days) for suspected people. Remarkably, three out of four participants correctly opted for RNA as the genetic material of the SARS-nCoV2. Knowledge scores significantly differed across education level. In the case of knowledge level towards COVID-19, generally speaking, the majority of the participants (67.6 %) had moderate knowledge and one out of four had good knowledge towards different COVID-19 related items, inquired in the study (table 3). From 496 participants, 73.34% have good knowledge and 26.34% participants have poor knowledge of covid-19 and omicron.
Table 3: Knowledge related to COVID-19 and omicron
|
Que NO. |
Knowledge items |
Correct (%) (n) |
Incorrect (%) (n) |
|
|
|
1 |
Where was the first case of omicron reported globally? |
72.1% (353) |
27.9% (143) |
||
|
2 |
In which state was the first case of COVID-19 reported in India? |
75.1% (362) |
24.9% (134) |
||
|
3 |
How does COVID-19 spread mainly? |
75.3% (361) |
24.7% (135) |
||
|
4 |
For how many days are suspected people isolated and observed in quarantine? |
93.4% (458) |
6.6% (38) |
||
|
5 |
What is the recommended minimal social distancing norms (in feet) to prevent COVID-19 and omicron’s spread? |
75.7% (366) |
24.3% (130) |
||
|
6 |
Which is the best preventive measure for COVID-19 and omicron? |
43.3% (214) |
56.7% (282) |
||
|
7 |
We cannot prevent COVID-19 and omicron’s spreading. |
75.7% (368) |
24.3% (128) |
||
|
8 |
Is the Omicron variant of COVID-19 more severe than Delta Variant? |
58.3% (280) |
41.75% (216) |
||
|
9 |
Which organ is most Affected in covid 19? |
91.4% (448) |
8.6% (48) |
||
|
10 |
Are you fully vaccinated? |
78.5% (386) |
21.5% (110) |
||
|
11 |
A recovered person be infected with corona or omicron virus again? |
92.3% (454) |
7.7% (42) |
||
|
12 |
How can covid-19 and omicron diagnose? |
95.5% (472) |
4.5% (24) |
||
|
13 |
Do you know currently designated variants of concern (VOCs) of SARS-CoV-2? |
89.6% (439) |
10.4% (57) |
||
|
14 |
Select three main symptoms of omicron |
46.9% (234) |
53.1% (262) |
||
|
15 |
For omicron variant how many days a symptomatic and suspected people isolated at home as per new ICMR guideline? |
74.1% (363) |
25.9% (133) |
||
Attitude:
It represents the responses obtained for attitude items of questionnaire towards COVID-19 and omicron. About 90 % (n=496) individuals (strongly agreed, 28.2 % and agreed, 42.7 %) were of the view that COVID-19 and omicron was a serious health concern in society. Eight out of ten participants agreed that the Indian government had endeavoured in a commendable perspective as far as controlling the spread of COVID-19 and omicron was concerned besides being upbeat about the successful containment of the current pandemic by the government (table 4). Even so, 13.4 % of participants were neutral against disagreeing respondents of around 4.8% whether the virus would be controlled. Almost 67 % of participants agreed that people were panicky in India and half of the participants were apprehensive of contacting the COVID-19 and omicron infection. Most of the participants 77.7% thought that traveling was the main reason to contact the COVID-19 and omicron infection while 54.8 % agreed that their daily life was spoiled due to the current pandemic. Approximately 84.3 % of participants believed and agreed that patients recovered from COVID-19 and omicron infection could be allowed in society, while 6.4 % disagreed and other have neutral opinion. Against a small number of unwilling respondents 4.2 %, the majority of the participants agreed to undergo self-isolation in case they showed the symptoms of COVID-19 and omicron (table 4). From 496 participants, 76.41% have good,11.97% have moderate and 11.62% have poor attitude towards covid-19 and omicron.
Table 4: Attitudes related to covid-19 and omicron
|
Questionaries |
Strongly disagree |
Disagree |
Neutral |
Agree |
Strongly agree |
p-Value |
|
1. There is nothing called Coronavirus and omicron; it is just a bad air
|
217 (43.8%) |
127 (25.6%) |
31 (6.3%) |
91 (18.3%) |
30 (6%) |
<0.05 |
|
2. We can stay safe if we pray to Allah/God/Creator regularly in COVID-19 pandemic and omicron wave
|
145 (29.2%) |
120 (24.2%) |
80 (16.1%) |
115 (23.2%) |
36 (7.3%) |
<0.05 |
|
3. You think COVID-19 and omicron is a serious public health threat.
|
22 (4.4%) |
44 (8.9%) |
78 (15.7%) |
212 (42.7%) |
140 (28.2%) |
<0.05 |
|
4. The Indian government is putting up a great effort in controlling the spread of COVID-19 and omicron.
|
11 (2.2%) |
14 (2.8%) |
64 (12.9%) |
239 (48.2%) |
168 (33.9%) |
<0.05 |
|
5. Traveling is a prime reason for contracting COVID-19 and omicron.
|
21 (4.2%) |
47 (9.5%) |
89 (17.9%) |
250 (50.4%) |
89 (17.9%) |
<0.05 |
|
6. Patients recovered from COVID-19 and omicron can be allowed into the society.
|
18 (3.6%) |
14 (2.8%) |
46 (9.3%) |
259 (52.2%) |
159 (32.1%) |
<0.05 |
|
7. If I have symptoms of COVID-19 or omicron, I will isolate myself.
|
9 (1.8%) |
12 (2.4%) |
27 (5.4%) |
192 (38.7%) |
256 (51.6%) |
<0.05 |
|
8. Indian government's suggestion to support the healthcare workers (physician, nurse, pharmacist, lab assistants) by clapping on 22nd March, 2020 during COVID-19 lock-down is appreciable.
|
21 (4.2%) |
16 (3.2%) |
54 (10.9%) |
225 (45.4%) |
180 (36.3%) |
<0.05
|
|
9. Do you think that health education can help to prevent COVID-19 and omicron |
9 (1.8%) |
14 (2.8%) |
40 (8.1%) |
251 (50.6%) |
182 (36.7%) |
<0.05 |
|
Remark: |
||||||
Practices
Represents the responses obtained for practice items of the questionnaire towards COVID-19. Around 6 % (n=35) of participants reported that they were ‘never’ following good 12 practices towards COVID-19 such as wearing a nose mask, maintaining social distance, washing hands, and avoiding crowded places during the pandemic (table 5). However, around nine out of ten participants affirmed with an ‘always’ response, following the afore-stated good practices. Around 11 % and 9 % of participants respectively said that they were willing to attend functions and shake hands with friends during the outbreak. Almost, eight out of ten people supported lockdown imposed in the country to control COVID-19 spread. In the case of practice level towards COVID-19, generally speaking, eight out of ten had a ‘good’ practice level, while 15 % showed ‘moderate’ and 3.2 % registered ‘poor’ practice skills towards different items of the inquiry (table 5). From 496 participants, 66% have good, 25.25% have moderate and 8.75% have poor practice towards covid-19 and omicron.
Table 5: Practice related covid-19 and omicron
|
Questionaries |
Never |
Sometimes |
Always |
p-Value |
|
1. Are you wearing a nose mask when you go out during the COVID-19 and omicron outbreak?
|
10 (2%) |
43 (8.7%) |
443 (89.3%) |
<0.05 |
|
2. Are you carrying sanitizer during the COVID-19 and omicron outbreak?
|
13 (2.6%) |
125 (25.2%) |
358 (72.2%) |
<0.05 |
|
3. Are you maintaining social distance during the COVID-19 and omicron outbreak?
|
11 (2.2%) |
99 (20%) |
386 (77.8%) |
<0.05 |
|
4. Do you wash your hands after returning from outside during the COVID-19 and omicron outbreak?
|
8 (1.6%) |
74 (14.9%) |
414 (83.5%) |
<0.05 |
|
5. Are you avoiding crowded places (worship places, bus, and train stations, mall, bank, functions, etc.) these days?
|
13 (2.6%) |
167 (33.7%) |
316 (63.7%) |
<0.05 |
|
6. Are you willing to attend functions during the COVID19 and omicron outbreak?
|
169 (34.1%) |
170 (34.3%) |
157 (31.7%) |
<0.05 |
|
7. Are you supporting lockdown in India to control the COVID-19 and omicron?
|
70 (14.1%) |
127 (25.6%) |
299 (60.3%) |
<0.05 |
|
8. Avoided touching eyes, nose, and mouth with hands
|
13 (2.6%) |
135 (27.2%) |
348 (70.2%) |
<0.05 |
|
9. Do you take any vitamin supplements and any traditional/herbal medicine to prevent COVID-19 and omicron? |
96 (19.4%) |
187 (37.7%) |
213 (42.9%) |
<0.05 |
|
Remark: |
||||
Table 6: Distribution of Knowledge among demographic variable of Gujarat people towards covid-19 and omicron
|
Demographic characteristics |
Knowledge score (mean ± SD) |
F-value |
P-value |
||
|
Gender |
Male |
11.33 |
2.899 |
3.045 |
0.081 |
|
Female |
10.90 |
2.595 |
|||
|
Marital status |
Married |
11.97 |
2.142 |
18.054 |
0.000025 |
|
Unmarried |
10.88 |
2.913 |
|||
|
Occupation |
Business man |
8.83 |
4.362 |
2.086 |
0.0533 |
|
Farmer |
13 |
1.414 |
|||
|
Government employee |
9.50 |
3.889 |
|||
|
Job |
11.23 |
2.665 |
|||
|
Student |
10.91 |
2.892 |
|||
|
House wife |
11.26 |
2.644 |
|||
|
Retired |
11 |
2.828 |
|||
Supporting information:
Supplementary Table.
This study was conducted aiming at measuring the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of COVID-19, omicron and perceptions regarding the disease among Indian people. Prompted by the lack of scientific information on COVID-19 and the cryptic biochemical and genetic nature of SARS-CoV-2, the WHO had pressed upon the dire need to improve knowledge among the general mass as well as promote and disseminate information about prevention and control measures in health care and community settings (WHO, 2020).8 On the part of the health authorities, planning of appropriate strategies to prepare and manage the public had been identified as a pre-condition. Most participants knew the main symptoms of COVID-19, mode of transmission, high-risk groups and that there is no effective treatment or vaccine against COVID-19, the importance of supportive treatment, and public health preventive measures, namely, handwashing, personal respiratory hygiene, wearing of masks in public, and isolation areas.9 Our findings are in agreement with studies conducted in Iran, Tanzania, Paraguay, Malaysia, and China that all show high knowledge scores regarding COVID-19.9,10,11 Nonetheless, our findings differ from studies conducted in Bangladesh and Malaysia that show an overall low knowledge score.12,13 Several findings on the associations among KAP factors provided valuable insights into how public health initiatives can better protect the population’s health during public health emergencies, such as emerging infectious disease pandemics, by establishing strategic behavioural interventions. First, knowledge can play a crucial role in enhancing the practice of public preventive behaviour, as our findings showed that knowledge was associated with attitudes and preventive behaviours.14 Similarly, routes of transmission of COVID-19 were reported by the participants: with only a minimal amount (0.2%) participants unable to find out transmission routes. Perception of COVID-19 severity in this study showed that only 13.8% did not face any difficulty when they discussed and tried to convince their family members about COVID-19 and omicron severity. Most of the responses by the participants indicated negligence about the severity of the disease, hesitation to use masks, and the unwillingness of complying with not being able to stop going out of the house.15 This may show less participation in the preventive measures required by the government as well as less inclination to observe social distancing and other individual preventive actions, although some alternative adaptive strategies were also mentioned.15 The mostly identified gap in knowledge among participants was related to disease treatment.
Our survey encompassed almost equal representation of both the genders and well-educated population we found the average knowledge score of Indians as moderate. Even so, correct rates of knowledge score ranged widely among demographic variables indicating that some participants had good knowledge (24.7 %) and others showed poor knowledge (7.6 %) about the disease. Based on the limited information available to date, the risk of pet animals spreading COVID-19 and omicron to people is considered to be low.16 In the multiple logistic regression analyses, sociodemographic variables associated with more positive attitudes regarding COVID-19 and omicron were older age, having higher education, being employed, having joint family, having higher monthly family income, and implementing more frequent practices, overall recapitulating previous findings from Gujarat.16 These findings were similar to a very recent study conducted in China, during the rapid rise of COVID-19 outbreak. This study also reported positive attitudes among the vast majority of healthcare professionals towards wearing protective gear.17 Similarly, the overall attitude towards actions such ‘wash hands and face after coming from outside’ and ‘health education can play an important role for COVID-19 prevention’ was universally favourable.17 Like in this study, reported that more than 80% participants strongly agreed that transmission of COVID19 could be prevented by following universal precautions given by WHO or CDC. During the SARS epidemic, 50.6%of Gujarat residents think that health education can help to prevent COVID-19 and omicron. Surprisingly, in this study the participants’ attitudes differ by age, education, marital status, occupation, family type, monthly income, and practices.
A study conducted by Ferdous et al. has revealed that sociodemographic factors associated with more frequent preventive measures were being female, older age, having higher education, urban area residence, and higher income.17 The findings reveal a substantial number of sociodemographic factors that affect KAP and should prove useful when planning health education programs about emerging infectious diseases.17 One important observation in this study is that knowledge on COVID‑19 and omicron was significantly more among males. However, the prevalence of adequate knowledge is still medium and the constant practice of the preventive measures is also medium. That’s why, the importance of these measures should be emphasized even more in population.
The study has revealed that less than one‑third of the participants have adequate knowledge on COVID‑19 and omicron. The study has also highlighted that favourable attitude and preventive practices were more among those with adequate knowledge. Our findings suggest that Gujarati residents, especially men, have good knowledge toward COVID-19 and omicron. We conclude that the Gujarat public health preventive efforts should be controlled by closing the identified gaps in KAP. This will help to decrease the spread of COVID-19 and omicron in Gujarati residents. However, as not 100% of participants answered all the questions correctly, it is still encouraged to maintain continuous efforts to spread awareness and public health education across all platforms, virtually as well as in real life.
Funding:
Study is not supported by any financial assistance.
Acknowledgements:
Authors of current study are grateful to Rishita Patel, Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Indukaka Ipcowala college of pharmacy, Anand Gujarat for providing assistance in creating study questioners and survey tools.
Conflict of Interest:
Author declares no conflict of interest.