Study on the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Rural Community in Aligarh

Abstract

Research into individuals’ risk perception is essential to understanding their behaviour, and adoption of individual-level preventive measures (e.g. wearing masks, washing hands etc) in case of pandemic. Various perceptions and practices have been associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we assessed the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding COVID-19 among rural population in Jawan in Aligarh. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Data was collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data collection took place from August - October,2021.We conducted a door to door survey and interviewed 300 persons, aged ≥18 years, who gave consent for the study .The questionnaire was developed using the risk communication and community engagement tool, which was modified according to local settings. Majority of the study population thought Covid 19 to be a disease while few thought it to be a biological weapon used by China or to be due to radiation caused by 5 G network testing. Majority of the study population washed their hands with soap and water and avoided crowded places. Majority of the respondents perceived fever, cough and sore throat as the main symptom, followed by breathlessness and running nose .Very less respondent’s perceived loss of taste and loss of smell. Majority of the population adopted some homemade remedies as a precautionary measure in the form of tea or Kaadha. Most of them had knowledge about mode of spread through cough and sneeze but no one know about the spread of disease through asymptomatic patient. Health care workers also need to use strategies for identifying and communicating with at-risk populations (specifically the elderly) through field visits. They also need to prioritize research in areas of elderly COVID-19 perceptions, particularly around barriers and facilitators to adherence to preventive measures.