Authors: Ahmad Sadiq , Muhammad Salman Saleem , Muna Malik , Muhammad Irfan Malik , Fahd Kamal Akhtar , Khalid Waheed

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease caused by a novel Coronavirus. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared it a health emergency on January 30, 2020. WHO also called for collaborative efforts from all countries to prevent its further spread. The success of the world’s battle against COVID-19 depends upon people’s adherence to the control measures which is affected by their Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) towards the disease as suggested by KAP theory. In this study, the KAP of population from Punjab towards COVID-19 during the rapid rise period of the COVID-19 outbreak is investigated. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study based on Google forms-based survey regarding the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of participants towards COVID-19. A total of n = 500 participants completing their questionnaires were included. Online data was extracted and cross-checked for any discrepancy. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS ver.22. Results: Participants with ≥ 22 years of age significantly practicing more social distancing (P<0.05). Knowledge of hand hygiene and proper discarding of mask were significantly more associated with the practices of social distancing. Knowledge of cough and sneezing etiquettes was significantly related to practice social distancing (P < 0.01). Attitude of hand hygiene protocols was significantly related to practicing hand washing, minimizing touching environment (P < 0.01) and disinfecting house and workplace (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The present study showed a good knowledge, positive attitudes and suitable practices in population of Punjab. The health awareness programs designed after pandemic declaration by WHO, played a vital role in improving all these things.

Keywords: COVID-19, Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, Punjab, Pakistan