A VIRAL CRISIS: KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES OF UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS OF THE TWIN CITIES OF PAKISTAN TOWARDS COVID-19

Authors

  • Arshia Bilal Fazaia Medical College, Air University, Sector E-9, Islamabad
  • Aaiz Feroze Khan Fazaia Medical College, Air University, Sector E-9, Islamabad
  • Saiyid Ahmad Ali Naqvi Fazaia Medical College, Air University, Sector E-9, Islamabad
  • Laiba Shams-ul-Haq Fazaia Medical College, Air University, Sector E-9, Islamabad
  • Rukhsana Khan Fazaia Medical College, Air University, Sector E-9, Islamabad

Abstract

Background: A novel coronavirus strain, SARS-CoV-2, was identified in December 2019, causing a disease known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). WHO declared the COVID-19 emergency as a pandemic in March 2020. Following nationwide lockdowns, it becomes pertinent that the self-quarantined medical students are able to dispense necessary knowledge regarding appropriate prevention practices related to the disease to their respective families and communities, therefore playing a positive role in sharing the economic load of the health system already overburdened by the increasing number of COVID-19 patients. This study aims to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of undergraduate medical students of the Twin Cities of Pakistan toward COVID-19, with regards to their observance of precautionary measures against the disease. Methods: Online data in this descriptive cross- sectional study was collected through self-developed questionnaires from 267 undergraduate medical students of twin cities, by convenient sampling. Results: High level of knowledge (72.7%) regarding Covid-19 infection among undergraduate medical students was consistent with their practices (70.8%) but not with their satisfactory attitude (p<0.01).  Being female than male and students of private medical colleges showed more satisfactory attitude (p<0.05) and knowledge (p<0.01) towards Covid-19 infection respectively, while practices were more among the students of public sector medical college (p<0.05). Conclusion: The Knowledge of the students was satisfactory and consistent with their practices but not with their Satisfactory attitude, indicating a need to improve upon the prevailing attitude regarding infectious diseases such as Covid-19 and their prevention.   Keywords: Covid-19 Pandemic; Medical Students; Knowledge, Attitude and Practices; Pakistan; Prevention  

Author Biographies

Arshia Bilal, Fazaia Medical College, Air University, Sector E-9, Islamabad

Assistant Professor, Community Medicine department of Fazaia Medical College. Got eligilbility for Associate Professor from PMDC.

Aaiz Feroze Khan, Fazaia Medical College, Air University, Sector E-9, Islamabad

4th Year Medical Student at Fazaia Medical College, Islamabad

Saiyid Ahmad Ali Naqvi, Fazaia Medical College, Air University, Sector E-9, Islamabad

4th Year Medical Student at Fazaia Medical College, Islamabad

Laiba Shams-ul-Haq, Fazaia Medical College, Air University, Sector E-9, Islamabad

4th Year Medical Student at Fazaia Medical College, Islamabad

Rukhsana Khan, Fazaia Medical College, Air University, Sector E-9, Islamabad

Head of the Department, Department of Community Medicine. 

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Published

2021-02-20

Issue

Vol. 33 No. 1 (2021): Journal of Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad

Section

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

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