A Cross- Sectional Study on Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Associated with COVID-19 Among Interns, An Institutional Survey in A Private Medical College

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The rapid and extensive spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has become a major cause of concern for the healthcare profession. An infection (COVID-19) without any specific cure makes the people more vulnerable to get affected due to insufficient knowledge and unhealthy practices. In this scenario, this study was aimed to assess the knowledge and perception among interns in a private medical college, Eluru.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of the study was to assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) of interns towards COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODOLOGY: This was an institutional based, analytical cross-sectional study. Data was collected from interns (n=130) posted in COVID-19 wards using a convenient sampling method. A predesigned and pretested questionnaire was used for study. Interns were assessed regarding the necessary knowledge, positive attitude, and proactive practice in response to COVID-19 outbreak, indicating the efficacy and success of present public health campaigns. The data was analyzed using SPSS 26 trial version.

RESULTS: Firstly, about knowledge regarding COVID-19, The study results showed that 97.7%,72% and 77.7% were having good knowledge, attitude and practices about COVID-19 preventing measures.

CONCLUSION

The interns showed overall an adequate knowledge, positive attitude, and proactive practice of COVID-19. Our study finding also highlights the specific aspects of knowledge and perception, where the partial or incorrect responses were noted and these areas should be addressed in future through webinars, educational campaigns to improve understanding and to correct the myths about COVID-19.