Knowledge, Attitudes and Preventive Practices towards COVID-19 among Bangladeshi Students: An Online Based Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

This study sought to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward COVID-19 among Bangladeshi students. An online-based cross-sectional study was conducted in late April 2020 among 904 Bangladeshi students using a Snowball sampling technique. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. Multiple linear regression was employed to calculate the associations between KAP scores and other demographic variables. The mean COVID-19 knowledge score was 14.45 (SD: 1.72; range: 7-17), indicating a moderate level of knowledge. The mean scores for attitudes and practices were 2.45 (SD: 1.13; range: 0-6) and 4.58 (SD: 0.71; range: 1-5), indicating negative attitudes and reasonable practices toward COVID-19, respectively. Students enrolled at the undergraduate level or higher and from urban areas were associated with higher knowledge and practice scores. Students who read scientific articles as their main source of COVID-19 information were more knowledgeable than their peers. Students who participated in online training/courses about COVID-19 were significantly associated with higher KAP scores. The negative attitude of students reported in this study indicates the need for government and policymakers to ensure more targeted awareness campaigns are implemented to enhance public confidence and participation in COVID-19 preventive measures.