Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Coronavirus Disease-2019 among Geriatric Patients in a Tertiary Care Center in Central Kerala: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Abstract Context: Evidence shows that knowledge is important in tackling pandemics. By assessing awareness and knowledge about the coronavirus, more profound insights can be gained into existing public reception and practices, thereby helping to identify attributes that influence the adoption of healthy practices and responsive behavior. Assessing knowledge is important in identifying gaps and strengthening ongoing prevention efforts. Aims: The study aimed to investigate the geriatric population’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) during the pandemic spike. Settings and Design: The study was designed as a cross-sectional study; a questionnaire was developed regarding the World Health Organization training material for the detection, prevention, response, and control of COVID-19 and was validated by experts in geriatrics and public health. Materials and Methods: A prevalidated questionnaire consisting of four sections will be used. The first section consists of demographic data such as age and gender. The second, third, and fourth section will include prevalidated questions to gather information about the patient’s KAP regarding general awareness of COVID-19 among geriatric patients in a tertiary care center in central Kerala. The inclusion criteria included patients of age 60 years and above, patients who are willing to participate in the study, and patients who are willing to give informed consent. The questionnaire was answered by over 199 participants anonymously from November 01, 2021, to February 08, 2022. Results: In our study, 199 participants were involved the mean knowledge score was 10.3 ± 1.224. The average attitude score regarding COVID-19 among the participants was 1.9 ± 1.1. The majority of the participants (67.8%) had a poor attitude toward COVID-19. There was a significant difference in average attitude scores according to socioeconomic status. According to the present study, the average correct answer score of the ten questions regarding COVID-19 practice was 6.3 ± 1.4. The majority of participants (75.4%) had moderate practice toward COVID-19. The average practice scores were significant difference among the socioeconomic status. Conclusions: The third wave of the pandemic demonstrated good knowledge, positive attitudes, and reasonable practice regarding COVID-19 during the outbreak. The results indicated the need for the health system to attempt to increase the public knowledge of the older people to improve their attitude and practice to deal with the crisis.