Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a severe acute respiratory infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Sufficient knowledge, positive attitudes, and correct practices are crucial for the prevention of COVID-19. Aims: This study aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitudes and practices of a sample of Sudanese residents towards COVID-19. Methods: A cross-sectional community-based survey was conducted on 812 participants, including both sexes and aged 18 years and above, with the exclusion of health care workers. Considerable care was taken to include people with different education levels. Results: Among the survey respondents (n=812), 45.8% were women, 40.4% held a bachelor's degree, 5.7% were uneducated, and 51.1% were aged 18-25 years. The overall correct rate of the knowledge questionnaire was 78.2%; 66.9% agreed that religious gatherings and events should be cancelled to prevent the spread of COVID-19; 34.1% of respondents wore medical masks; and 57.9% avoided shaking hands in recent days. Conclusion:This study showed that sampled Sudanese residents have incomplete knowledge and poor practices towards COVID-19. However, we found that women and people aged 18-25 years were more knowledgeable and had more positive attitudes towards COVID-19. We hope that concerned authorities will establish awareness programmes to improve the ability to combat this disease.

BackgroundThere are a major differences between breastfeeding and formula feeding. Therefore, it’s essential for expectants and new parents to be aware of such variations, as its important determinants of infant feeding behavior. This study aimed to construct a solid foundation on the awareness and perception regarding breastfeeding verses packed formulas among the locals. Additionally, we wished to identify any possible misconceptions about their benefits.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional descriptive study, carried out during the months of July and August 2020 at Khartoum state, Sudan. The target population was all Sudanese citizens of both genders, aged 18 and above, who’ve agreed to participate in this study, respondents who’ve missed any of the aforesaid criteria were excluded. ResultsAmong our study respondents (n=905), 464 (51.27%) were female and 409 (45.19%) were married. Two hundred and eleven (23.31%) had 1-2 children and 422 (46.63%) held a bachelor’s degree. The mean awareness score was 10.88 (SD: 2.25, range: 0-15), suggesting an overall 72.53% (10.88/15*100) correct rate on this awareness test. Awareness scores significantly differed across genders, age-groups, marital status, education levels, and places of residence (P<0.05). Most of our sample (97.35%) agreed that breastfeeding is the ideal nutrition for infants <6 months old. Five hundred and ninety (65.19%) were aware that breastfeeding reduces the mortality rate of infants, and 712 (78.67%) of the participants answered correctly that breastfeeding decreases the maternal risk of breast and ovarian cancer.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the general awareness on this topic needs further improvement and more attention.

Background: There are a major differences between breastfeeding and formula feeding. Therefore, it’s essential for expectants and new parents to be aware of such variations, as its important determinants of infant feeding behavior. This study aimed to construct a solid foundation on the awareness and perception regarding breastfeeding verses packed formulas among the locals. Additionally, we wished to identify any possible misconceptions about their benefits.Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study, carried out during the months of July and August 2020 at Khartoum state, Sudan. The target population was all Sudanese citizens of both genders, aged 18 and above, who’ve agreed to participate in this study, respondents who’ve missed any of the aforesaid criteria were excluded. Results: Among our study respondents (n=905), 464 (51.27%) were female and 409 (45.19%) were married. Two hundred and eleven (23.31%) had 1-2 children and 422 (46.63%) held a bachelor’s degree. The mean awareness score was 10.88 (SD: 2.25, range: 0-15), suggesting an overall 72.53% (10.88/15*100) correct rate on this awareness test. Awareness scores significantly differed across genders, age-groups, marital status, education levels, and places of residence (P<0.05). Most of our sample (97.35%) agreed that breastfeeding is the ideal nutrition for infants <6 months old. Five hundred and ninety (65.19%) were aware that breastfeeding reduces the mortality rate of infants, and 712 (78.67%) of the participants answered correctly that breastfeeding decreases the maternal risk of breast and ovarian cancer.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the general awareness on this topic needs further improvement and more attention.