A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess Knowledge of COVID-19 among Undergraduate Students in North-Central Ecuador

Abstract

Adherence to preventive measures is influenced by people’s knowledge, attitudes and practices towards a disease; therefore, assessing knowledge of COVID-19 is critical in the overall effort to contain the outbreak. This cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduates (n = 3621) of different programs and different levels of education associated with universities in north-central Ecuador. The form consisted of 32 questions covering demographics, symptoms, detection, treatment, transmission, prevention and knowledge of the virus. The rate of correct answers was 75.5% (21.1 ± 5 out of 28), with differences observed regarding program of study, educational level and location of institution (α = 0.05), although effect size analyses showed that these differences could not be considered large. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that lower scores were associated with initial stages of education, careers related to social sciences and location of institution. Participants possessed sufficient knowledge about detection, transmission and prevention, although they overestimated fatality rate and were less confident about the characteristics of the virus and the effectiveness of traditional medicine. Consequently, future educational programs must place emphasis on addressing deficient knowledge. Certainly, improving COVID-19 literacy will promote the appropriate application of protective measures aimed at preventing the virus’ spread.

Antibiotic Resistance Awareness among Undergraduate Students in Quito, Ecuador

“…Furthermore, the present outcomes demonstrate that students enrolled in programs related to applied sciences scored higher than their colleagues affiliated to social sciences, which has been hitherto described [ 20 , 22 ]. Previous studies reporting knowledge of genetics and COVID-19 have shown that students not associated with applied sciences curricula have difficulties when enquired about such matters [ 29 , 30 ]. On the other hand, no differences were found regarding sex and age range, implying that older students are no more knowledgeable than their younger counterparts, as shown before [ 22 , 23 ].…”

“…Information about antibiotic prescription and use does not seem sufficiently available or discernible to students, especially to those not familiar with scientific literature. It has been suggested that programs providing basic information about genetics or infectious diseases should be implemented as required credit courses, mainly for undergraduates associated with “social” curricula [ 30 ]. Undoubtedly, including antibiotic data in such courses will contribute to the promotion of protective health measures aimed at reducing their misuse.…”

“…Here, despite that the level of knowledge was moderate, respondents commonly adhered to recommended practices. It seems important, thus, to disclose answers at the end of the questionnaire, as hitherto suggested [ 30 , 44 ]. This practice could indeed be helpful in correcting or confirming popular perceptions among participants.…”

“…Recent outcomes have shown that biology-background undergraduates were more knowledgeable concerning AMR than their non-biology counterparts [ 20 , 22 ]. Interestingly, studies conducted among Ecuadorian undergraduates have revealed that students not associated with applied/biological sciences were not familiar with basic genetic concepts regarding inheritance or SARS-CoV-2 [ 29 , 30 ].…”

A comprehensive study of Ecuadorian adult patients with a mild and moderate presentation of COViD-19

“…As social determinants of health measure, high social risk can increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In Ecuador, a study showed that high levels of education were related to more virus acknowledgment [ 22 ]. However, they were less assertive about the virus’s characteristics and used empirical and unproven treatments.…”