Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding Covid-19 among a Cross-Sectional Sample from Karachi, Pakistan: Descriptive Data

Abstract

Background: COVID-19, short for coronavirus disease 2019 is responsible for causing coronavirus disease that has been declared as a pandemic. On 30 th January it was declared as the worldwide emergency crisis. It is very similar to its previous strain SARS-CoV that was known to cause an outbreak in 2002. Another strain MERS-CoV was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012. COVID-19 is first identified in Wuhan, China then it spread to multiple countries and become a significant danger for the globe. On 26 th February 2020, the first case of coronavirus emerges in Pakistan. The predominant symptoms of this viral illness are fever and cough, but there is a range of symptoms, while some patients may be asymptomatic. This study aims to evaluate the awareness of the population regarding this deadly virus. To understand the public behavior, beliefs, their understanding regarding precautionary practice, their indulgent about the situation, and their attitude towards the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from 31 st March to 6 th April 2020. Our study target residents of Karachi Pakistan, who were 18 or above, could read and understand English and had filled the complete questionnaire. The sample size was calculated using www. openepi.com with a confidence interval of 95% and absolute precision of 5%. Data was collected by a self-designed online questionnaire, consisting of 38 closed-ended multiple-choice questions. The questionnaire was divided into two sections 1) Demographic section 2) Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) related questions. A pilot study A pilot study was conducted to validate the questionnaire. Data was analyzed by Software Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Result: A total of 330 participants were included in the study, out of which 184 females (55.8%) and 146 males (44.2%). The maximum number of the participants (326; 98.8%) were aware regarding the origin of coronavirus disease, almost (326; 98.8%) participants agreed to the fact that COVID-19 is contagious and can be transmitted. Respiratory droplets (287, 87%) was considered as the most common route of transmission. An enormous amount of participants (318, 96.4%), knew that lungs are the major body part affected by COVID-19. Almost all (326, 98.7%) of our participants are practicing social distancing. Conclusion: Participants from Karachi have an overall reasonable knowledge regarding the COVID-19. But still, further awareness is needed to improve the condition and to stop the spread of the virus. Virtual awareness sessions should be arranged to provide maximum information to the public regarding handwashing steps, and to maintain a hygienic environment as well as encourage them to practice social distancing and avoid social gatherings.

The Commitment of Nineveh Governorate Residents to the Precautionary Measures against Global 2019 Pandemic and Dermatological Affection of Precautions

“…Analysis of the data reveals a variable degree of adherence to each item of the protective measures involved in the survey's questions, with the higher result being with the use of facial masks and avoiding crowded places as they are the main defense measures against aerosol SARS-CoV-2; also with respond to house quarantine that has been imposed by Nineveh health authorities, this corresponds to the result obtained by Kwok et al in Bangladesh [ 8 ] due to the obligatory law by governments and censorship in public places. Information from the data obtained shows that female participants are more obeying the protective instruction than males corresponding to a study carried out in Karachi, Pakistan [ 26 ]. Wearing gloves, adding food supplements to their diet, avoiding mass transport, and cloth sterilizing were the lowest committed precautions, respectively; higher cost of the personal transportation cars (taxis) and the need for medical prescription for vitamins and minerals could explain these findings.…”

Exploring Perceptions and Preventive Practices Related to COVID-19 Among General Public: A Cross Sectional Analytical Study from Pakistan

“…The overall sample size was 345, with a confidence interval of 95% and an absolute precision of 5%. 8 Ethical approval was taken from the ethical Review board Army Medical College, NUMS (ERC/ID/24) Inclusion Criteria: Individuals with access to cell phones and internet and residents of Pakistan were included.…”

“…As a result, it is crucial that the general public is aware of the signs and symptoms, the contributing factors to the disease, and the preventive measures that must be taken, such as social withdrawal, proper hand hygiene, and the use of face masks. 5 To reduce the transmission of SARS-Cov-2, preventive strategies are feasible and the best option in resource-limited settings 65 (8). It is crucial to keep virus transmission rates as low as feasible in order to ease the strain on the healthcare system.…”