Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the general population about Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): a systematic review and meta-analysis with policy recommendations

Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to investigate and synthesize the current evidence on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of the general population regarding COVID-19. Study Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods We conducted a systematic search on PubMed/LitCovid, Scopus, and Web of Sciences databases for papers in the English language only, up to 1 January 2021. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist developed for cross-sectional studies to appraise the quality of the included studies. All stages of the review conducted by two independent reviewers and potential discrepancies were solved with a consultation with a third reviewer. We reported the result as number and percentage. A meta-analysis conducted using a random effect model with a 95% confidence interval. Results Forty-eight studies encompassing 76848 participants were included in this review. 56.53% of the participants were female. The mean age of the participants was 33.7 years. 85.42% of the included studies were scored as good quality, 12.50% as fair quality, and the remaining (2.08%) as low quality. 87.5% examined all three components of the KAPs model. The knowledge component was reported as good, and poor in 89.5%, and 10.5% of the included studies, respectively. Of the studies that examined the attitude component, 100% reported a positive attitude. For the practice component, 93.2% reported satisfactory practice, and 6.8% poor practice. The result of the meta-analysis showed that the overall score of KAPs components about COVID-19 were 78.9, 79.8, and 74.1, respectively. Conclusions This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that the overall KAP components in the included studies were at an acceptable level. In general, knowledge was at a good level, the attitude was positive and practice was at a satisfactory level. Using an integrated international system can help better evaluate these components and compare them between countries.

Food Safety Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Jordan Universities Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…This level of food safety knowledge amongst university students has been previously reported ( 14 , 16 , 22 , 23 , 30 ). A meta-analysis reported overall KAP scores regarding COVID-19 to be 78.9, 79.8, and 74.1, respectively ( 31 ).…”

Perception of COVID-19 Prevention Methods Efficacy and Intention to Use Among Patients with Chronic Disease in Dessie Town, Northeast Ethiopia: A Multicentered Cross-sectional Study

“…A systematic review and meta-analysis report revealed that COVID-19-related knowledge was found high in the general population, but practice of preventive measures needs to be promoted. 25 Risk perception to COVID-19 was one of the main determinant factor for the adoption and utilization of COVID-19 prevention measures. 51 Peoples’ perceived severity has a stronger effect than perceived susceptibility in the engagement of protective behaviors against the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

“… 24 Generally, a systematic review and meta-analysis report revealed that more than two-thirds of study participants in the general population had good knowledge and favorable attitude toward the pandemic. 25 In Ethiopia, the majority of the urban population have good knowledge about COVID-19. 26 , 27 However, adhering to COVID-19 prevention methods was not satisfactory despite the increment of cases and death in the country.…”

Investigation of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Personal Protection Among Different Types of Workers Returning to Work Under COVID-19 Epidemic

“…It is worth noting that during the period of resuming work and increasing production, the effect of prevention and control of pneumonia is greatly affected by the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of the people returning to work. The level of knowledge of a disease can affect people's attitudes and practices, on the other hand, negative attitudes and practices can increase the risk of death from disease (16,17). Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the KAP status quo and explore the possible influencing factors of different occupational groups, so as to provide valuable information for countries and regions that have returned to work or are ready to return to work.…”