A viral crisis: Knowledge, attitude and practices of undergraduate medical students of the twin cities of pakistan towards covid-19 | [Journal of Ayub Medical College • 2021]

Author(s):

1. Arshia Bilal: Department of Community Medicine, Fazaia Medical College, Air University, Islamabad-Pakistan

2. Aaiz Feroze Khan: Department of Community Medicine, Fazaia Medical College, Air University, Islamabad-Pakistan

3. Saiyid Ahmad Ali Naqvi: Department of Community Medicine, Fazaia Medical College, Air University, Islamabad-Pakistan

4. Laiba Shams-ul-Haq: Department of Community Medicine, Fazaia Medical College, Air University, Islamabad-Pakistan

5. Rukhsana Khan: Department of Community Medicine, Fazaia Medical College, Air University, Islamabad-Pakistan

Abstract:

Background: A novel coronavirus strain, SARS-CoV-2, was identified in December 2019, causing a disease known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). WHO declared the COVID-19 emergency as a pandemic in March 2020. Following nationwide lockdowns, it becomes pertinent that the self-quarantined medical students are able to dispense necessary knowledge regarding appropriate prevention practices related to the disease to their respective families and communities, therefore playing a positive role in sharing the economic load of the health system already overburdened by the increasing number of COVID-19 patients. This study aims to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of undergraduate medical students of the Twin Cities of Pakistan toward COVID-19, with regards to their observance of precautionary measures against the disease. Methods: Online data in this descriptive cross- sectional study was collected through self-developed questionnaires from 267 undergraduate medical students of twin cities, by convenient sampling. Results: High level of knowledge (72.7%) regarding Covid-19 infection among undergraduate medical students was consistent with their practices (70.8%) but not with their satisfactory attitude (p<0.01). Being female than male and students of private medical colleges showed more satisfactory attitude (p<0.05) and knowledge (p<0.01) towards Covid-19 infection respectively, while practices were more among the students of public sector medical college (p<0.05). Conclusion: The Knowledge of the students was satisfactory and consistent with their practices but not with their Satisfactory attitude, indicating a need to improve upon the prevailing attitude regarding infectious diseases such as Covid-19 and their prevention.

Page(s): 89-96

DOI: DOI not available

Published: Journal: Journal of Ayub Medical College, Volume: 33, Issue: 1, Year: 2021

Keywords:

Pakistan , Medical students , Knowledge , prevention , COVID19 pandemic , Attitude and Practices

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