COVID-19 Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Survey among Population of Western Maharashtra

Abstract

Background: In wake of COVID-19 pandemic in India, basic knowledge of mode of transmission of the disease, precautionary hygiene practices to be adopted to contain the infection and specific dietary modifications to be made as per government advisories are critical from public health and safety viewpoint. Objective: The objective is to find out the perception of population in Maharashtra state, India with specific emphasis on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) during the pandemic. Methods: KAP was assessed through a systematic survey employing a structured questionnaire and was carried out through online-platform among the Indian population in Maharashtra state. The questionnaire was designed as per WHO guidelines. Data were collected from 1770 respondents across Maharashtra state, India from April 1, 2021, to April 30, 2021. Data were systematically analyzed using correlation and ordinal logistic regression models. Results: Data collected from 1648 participants across Maharashtra state indicated that 82.9% of respondents had high level of knowledge about the disease. However, it alarming to observe that 78.7% of respondents still demonstrated low COVID-19 related practices score. The pandemic also affected the psychological well-being of 81% of respondents; with major socio-economic implications (55%). The regression analysis showed that female participants displayed higher knowledge than males. Also, educational qualification had an impact on practices-1 (general) while both gender and educational qualification affected practices-2 (COVID-19 related). Conclusion: Findings of this KAP survey demonstrated good knowledge of the average population but relatively lower levels of attitudes and practices toward the pandemic. This highlights the need of training/counseling programs that can impart positive attitudes and improved practices to Indian citizens to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.