Knowledge, practice and attitude associated with SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant among adults in Jordan

Abstract

COVID-19 infection is a global pandemic health emergency. This contagious disease was caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus‑2 (SARS‑CoV-2) which is mutating over time. In 2021, the Delta variant became the most dominant transmissible form. During the crisis, human practice and knowledge were critical in the overall efforts to encompass the outbreak. A cross-sectional, web-based approach was conducted among adults in Jordan to quantify knowledge, attitude, and practices towards SARS-CoV-2 (Delta variant). This research was carried out between 15th April and 15th of May 2021. The study questionnaire consisted of four sections including the participant’s demographics, knowledge, practices and attitude. Comparative evaluation of responses was accomplished using a scoring system. Respondents who scored above the mean score (60%) on the item measured were categorized as knowledgeable, having a positive attitude, and good practices. Participants were allocated to one of the three groups; medical, non-medical and others (unemployed and housewives). Data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 software. A variance test to assess the statistical difference between groups was used. Pearson’s chi-squared test was applied to compare the variables and identify significant predictors. Of the participants, 308 (66%) were in the age group of 18-25yrs, 392 (84.1%) females, 120 (25.8%) employed and 346 (74.2%) unemployed. The principle source of knowledge was social media (291, 62.4%). Interestingly, participants had adequate overall knowledge. The mean knowledge score was 22.6 (± 0.19), 20.6 (± 0.19), and 21.3 (± 0.18) for the medical, the non-medical and the others group, respectively. Also, participants showed a positive attitude and good practices towards SARS-CoV-2 (Delta variant). The mean practice score for medical, the non-medical and the others groups was 7.35 (± 0.25), 7.38 (± 0.24), 7.35 (± 0.24) and the mean attitude score was 10.8 (± 0.16), 9.4 (± 0.21), 9.5 (± 0.22), respectively. The studied groups generally had good knowledge, positive attitudes and good practices about SARS-CoV-2 (Delta variant). This was expected due to the authorities’ successful management of the pandemic and the high educational level of the Jordanian society, bearing in mind the economic and social impact of COVID-19 disease.