Public Awareness and Practices Toward Preventive Measures Against COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

To know level of awareness and practices in public about prevention measures of corona virus to protect themselves from disease contraction. Survey was conducted through self administered questionnaire having 10 questions about knowledge of prevention measures and 12 questions about different prevention practices.  Sample consisted of n=355 having 64.8% male and 35.2% female participants. Participants of study belonged to Dist. Kotli of Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Questionnaire was consistent having reliability value .835. Mean value for overall awareness and practices toward preventive measures was 39.42±10.36. Out of total sample, 43.4% had well, 45.9% had moderate and 10.7% had poor awareness. 71% population highly practiced different prevention measures, 19.2 % at moderate level and 9.9% had poor practices. Awareness and practices were positively correlated with r=.275, p<0.001. Comparison between socio demographic characteristics and Awareness and Practices variables was done. It showed that gender and education have no significant impact. However, practices level across age varied with p=0.00. Type of occupation and marital status were found to be significant variables in determining awareness and practices against corona virus. Public had awareness about prevention measures and practiced them at satisfactory level. Knowledge and education could further promote awareness and practices rate and help to combat novel coronavirus pandemic.