Did knowledge, attitudes, and practices matter during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh? Results from a web-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Globally, health promotion measures have been undertaken in preventing the emergence and spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, whether these measures influence public awareness and behaviors is unclear and evidence is limited in particular in low-and-middle income country. We conducted an online survey among internet users in Bangladesh to understand the status and attributes of their knowledge, attitudes and practices towards COVID-19 during second wave of the pandemic when COVID educational information was more accessible to the public. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Of 964 respondents, 40.2%, 51.5%, and 64.3% had good knowledge, confident attitudes, and proper practices towards COVID-19, respectively. The multivariate regression analysis found that the knowledge and practice scores were associated (p<0.05) with gender, age, and occupation. Females had better knowledge and practices compared to males (p<0.05). There were major gaps in awareness, attitudes, and practices among internet users in particular males and elders that needs to be addressed to control the further spread of COVID-19 infections before at least COVID-19 vaccine become accessible at population level in Bangladesh.