General public awareness, knowledge and attitude toward COVID-19 infection and prevention: a cross-sectional study from Pakistan

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge, perceptions, and attitude of the public in Pakistan (using social media) towards COVID-19. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 1120 individuals nationwide. A self-developed, pre-tested questionnaire was used that comprised of sections covering demographic characteristics, medical history, hygiene awareness, COVID-19-related knowledge, and learning attitude. Descriptive statistics were used for frequencies, percentages, averages and standard deviations. Inferential statistics were done using the Student’s t-test and ANOVA. Results: The average age of participants was 31 years (range 18-60 years). In total 56 individuals (5%) had completed primary or secondary school education; 448 (40%) were employed (working from home) and 60% were jobless due to the COVID-19 crisis. Almost all the study subjects (1030 (92%)) were washing their hands multiple times a day. A total of 83% had awareness regarding quarantine time, 82% used face masks whenever they left their homes, 98% were aware of the origin of the disease, and 70% had knowledge regarding the most common symptoms of COVID-19. Conclusion: It can be concluded from the current study that female participants had higher level of education, and more awareness regarding the coronavirus. The majority of the participants followed proper hand washing regimes and washed their faces. Further knowledge and awareness should be promoted.

Prevalence of psychological distress: a scientific approach towards the mental health and wellbeing of population during the SARS-COV-2 outbreak

“…1 The consequences of this public health crisis have significantly impacted the mental well-being of the population, giving rise to a surge in psychological crises. 2,3 Identifying populations experiencing earlystage psychological crises is crucial for the effective implementation of intervention strategies. Despite a widespread increase in mental distress reported among both the general public and frontline medical personnel, the specific determinants of psychological distress remain unidentified across the diverse populations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

“…Despite a widespread increase in mental distress reported among both the general public and frontline medical personnel, the specific determinants of psychological distress remain unidentified across the diverse populations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 2,3,4 Traumatic public health emergencies can induce feelings of insecurity, driven by the fear of infection and mortality. Symptoms such as anxiety, stress, insomnia, and fear are frequently observed during pandemics.…”

Will Physical Distancing Be the New Perceived Way of Life in the Post-Covid-19 Pandemic Era?

“…Epidemiological and virologic studies reported that the primary source of transmission of COVID-19 could be transmitted through respiratory droplets, direct contact with infected people, or contact with contaminated surfaces and objects [6][7][8][9][10] . Pre-symptomatic transmission is the second kind of transmission in which a virus is transmitted before having any symptoms to another person 11,12 .…”

Acceptance of Covid-19 Vaccine Among the Residents of Karachi, Pakistan

“…7 The prime mode of transmission was airborne in form of respiratory droplets that could remain as an aerosol on any surface for a longer duration. 8,9 These aerosols can travel all the way through the ventilation systems in buildings and enclosed spaces. 10 Until January 2021 reports from 81 countries, revealed that about 20.5 million lives were lost due to the current pandemic.…”