KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES REGARDING COVID-19 AMONG THE GENERAL POPULATION OF PESHAWAR DISTRICT; AN ANALYTICAL CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) regarding COVID-19 play a very vital role in assessing whether the population have accepted the behavioral changes to COVID-19 or still, the population is unaware or has a negative attitude towards preventive measures to COVID-19.

Material & Methods: A KAP study was carried out in Peshawar, Pakistan. Residents of the Peshawar district, both genders, aged 18 years and older, were included in the study. An online questionnaire consisting of questions related to demographic information, knowledge, attitude and practice of COVID-19 was shared with the participants. Informed consent was taken from all participants. Chi-square and correlational tests were used to check the associations and correlations between different variables.

Results: A total of 262 participants took part in the study. The mean age of the participants was 27.66 ± 8.706 years. Most of the participants were males (76.3%), graduated (49.5%), students (51.5%), single (66%), and were living in the urban area (54.6%). The mean knowledge score was 9.14 ± 2.44 out of a total of 12. There was a significant association (P-value <0.05) between knowledge and the field of education. 88.8% of participants believed that the situation of COVID-19 would be controlled and 86.6% agreed that Pakistan will win the battle against COVID-19. 81.7% were visiting crowded places, 52.7% were wearing masks and 91.6% were washing their hands with soap.

Conclusion: The population demonstrated a generally strong level of knowledge. Most of the participants had a positive attitude towards COVID-19. There was malpractice of different preventive measures except washing hands with soaps. Attitude towards COVID-19 was significantly associated with occupation and field of education.