Perception of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards COVID - 19 among Patients Visiting Ophthalmology OPD for Admissions and Surgery during COVID - 19 in a Tertiary Care Centre

Abstract

Introduction: On 11 March, 2020, World Health Organisation (WHO) declared coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID- 19) a pandemic disease, and by 26 March, 2020, COVID-19 had spread to nearly 199 countries and homes worldwide. Cases substantially present with fever, dry cough and breathing difficulty. As a result of the pandemic, a number of cases visiting the hospital for non-COVID-19 diseases was drastically reduced and only emergencies were seen in our hospital. Inpatient admissions were also reduced and surgical procedures were reduced. The cost of ocular surgeries was escalated to adhere to the guidelines issued by authorities, for the safety of patients and staff. Majority of ocular surgeries are elective, and national programmes conducting cataract camps were completely stopped since cataract surgeries are elective. Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of the patients visiting ophthalmology OPD towards COVID-19 and ocular surgery. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional non-interventional questionnaire-based study was conducted among patients visiting ophthalmology OPD. Results: The study included 100 patients of which 54% were males and 46% were females. A total of 38% were above the age of 50 years and literates consisted of 60%. The main ocular symptom was defective vision (43%). Furthermore, 98% were aware of COVID-19. Internet/media (48%) was the major source of knowledge. In addition, 80% were aware of the cause and mode of spread, 40% were willing to undergo eye surgery and 75% agreed with government lockdown measures and were ready to take the vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. Conclusion: The study suggests that the population demonstrated decent knowledge, appropriate practice and a positive attitude towards COVID-19 at the time of its outbreak.