Knowledge about COVID-19 and Perception of the Role of Media Among Non-Medical Students

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to determine the knowledge about disease and perception of the role of media regarding COVID-19 among non-medical students.Study Design: Cross-sectional analytical study.Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in educational institutions of Punjab including University of Lahore, National University of Science and Technology, COMSATS University, Forman Christian College University, University of Management and Technology, Punjab University, GC University Faisalabad, The University of Agriculture Faisalabad, University of Engineering & Technology, University of Central Punjab, Islamia University Bahawalpur and Lahore College of Women University from June 2021 to November 2021.Materials and Methods: Using the convenience sampling technique, a sample of 400 non-medical students was included in the study. A self-constructed pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was entered and analyzed in SPSS version 23. Independent t-test and ANOVA were applied to find the association between variables. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Mean age of participants was 21.45± 2.16 years. About 38.7% used three or more sources of information. The most reliable source of media (37.75%) was social media updates. About 77.5% of participants used mass media daily and an increase in social media usage was reported by 88% of participants. The mean score related to knowledge was 14.09±4.5 out of 20. A statistically significant difference was found in the knowledge score of groups based upon sources of information (p = <0.001), communication practices (p = <0.001), gender (p=0.01), reported an increase in social media usage (p=0.04) and habit of seeking medical advice from media influences (p =0.05). The majority of participants agreed that media is creating awareness but also increasing fear and anxiety. Conclusion: Respondents had good knowledge about COVID-19.  Gender, information sources, communication practices, increase in media usage and taking medical advice from media influenced the knowledge. Participants agreed that media is creating awareness but also increasing fear and anxiety.