A Cross-Sectional Survey of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of University Students in Pakistan Regarding COVID-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic is striking the world with serious public health and socioeconomic complications. The pandemic has influenced all forms of daily life, including educational institutions. Therefore, this cross-sectional survey was conducted to understand knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to COVID-19 among the students of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore. The data was collected using an online self-directed questionnaire. The survey form includes six items about sociodemographic characteristics, 14 knowledge-based questions, seven questions on attitude, and eight questions on practices. The sample number was calculated using the Raosoft sample size calculator. A total number of 3,854 students, including 1,823 men and 2,031 women, were engaged in this survey, having student representation from all the provinces in the country. The data were analyzed using a chi-square test. A total of 97% of the students knew that the etiological agent of COVID-19 is a virus and that it is a disease of the respiratory system (94%). Many students kept visiting their relatives during the lockdown (45%), and their relatives kept visiting them at home (59%). The responses from the students varied a lot on specific questions about the transmission of the virus. Women tended to have less information regarding precautionary travel measures (p < 0.01), but supplemental knowledge of prevention of disease transmission from positive patients (p < 0.01). Conclusively, the majority of the university students surveyed had imperative knowledge, a good attitude, and active practice in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Moreover, the KAP scores have varied by demography, gender, and the number of family members. Therefore, continuous awareness of preventative behaviors should be disseminated regularly in emergencies.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward COVID-19: A cross-sectional study during normal management of the epidemic in China

“…This may be related to health education and dissemination of information to the Chinese public, consistent with the results of two previous studies in China ( 14 , 27 ). Our study results indicated that 91.2% of respondents were aware that COVID-19 is an acute viral infection, which was slightly lower than the rate (97%) reported by Raza et al ( 28 ). However, most respondents were unaware of the severity of COVID-19 and that there was still no specific treatment available at the time of the survey.…”

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (Kap) Toward Covid-19: A Cross-Sectional Study in Rural Pakistan

“…Similar findings were also presented by Awan et al, (2021); Raza et al (2021) and Khan et al (2022). They found multiple precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 such as hand washing, wearing a face mask, use of sanitizer and social distancing.…”

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding COVID-19 and mental health status among college students in China: a cross-sectional study

“…At present, the COVID-19 pandemic situation in China has been controlled, and it has entered the stage of normalized prevention and control ( 23 ). In addition to vaccines, strict preventive measures are the only other option to stop the rapid spread of diseases ( 24 ). Preventive measures play a vital role in reducing the infection rate of infectious diseases and controlling their spread, which suggests that it is necessary for the public to observe preventive measures, and the public's compliance with preventive measures is influenced by their KAP ( 25 ).…”