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Knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 and its prevention in selected ten towns of SNNP Region, Ethiopia: Cross-sectional survey

Author

Listed:
  • Misganu Endriyas
  • Aknaw Kawza
  • Abraham Alano
  • Mamush Hussen
  • Emebet Mekonnen
  • Teka Samuel
  • Mekonnen Shiferaw
  • Sinafikish Ayele
  • Temesgen Kelaye
  • Tebeje Misganaw
  • Endashaw Shibru

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 is highly infectious viral disease that can lead to main clinical symptoms like fever, dry cough, fatigue, myalgia, and dyspnea. Since there is no drug to cure the disease, focusing on improving community awareness related to prevention methods is crucial. But there was no regional level study addressing the reach of information, community knowledge and attitude related to COVID-19 and its prevention, and this study was done to inform and assist communication related to the disease responses during early introduction of the disease to the setting. Methods: Community based cross sectional study was conducted in selected ten towns of SNNPR, Ethiopia. Multi-stage sampling was used to select 1239 participants. Semi-structured questionnaire was designed, pre-tested and uploaded to SurveyCTO data collection system with security patterns. Knowledge was assessed considering awareness about signs and symptoms, confirmatory test (laboratory test), what to do if there is a suspect, availability of drug to cure the disease, mechanisms of transmission, prevention methods and most at risk groups. Attitude was assessed using 11 statements including seriousness of disease, being at risk, possibility of prevention, and benefits of staying at health facilities. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were performed to manage data using SPSS version 25. Results: Almost all respondents (99.8%) heard about the disease. The mean score of knowledge was 52.3% (SD = 18.9) while the mean score attitude was 80.8% (SD = 6.48). Educational status, housing condition and marital status were associated with having good knowledge while occupation, housing condition, age and overall knowledge were associated with having positive attitude. Conclusion: Even though almost all respondents had heard about the COVID-19, knowledge and attitude related to COVID-19 and its prevention were low. Awareness creation should be intensified using different local languages to improve community awareness, overcome misconceptions and minimize consequences of the disease.

Suggested Citation

  • Misganu Endriyas & Aknaw Kawza & Abraham Alano & Mamush Hussen & Emebet Mekonnen & Teka Samuel & Mekonnen Shiferaw & Sinafikish Ayele & Temesgen Kelaye & Tebeje Misganaw & Endashaw Shibru, 2021. "Knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 and its prevention in selected ten towns of SNNP Region, Ethiopia: Cross-sectional survey," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(8), pages 1-13, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0255884
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255884
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    Cited by:

    1. Md. Akhtarul Islam & Mst. Tanmin Nahar & Md. Nafiul Alam Khan & Zahid Ahmad Butt & A. S. M. Monjur-Al-Hossain & Sutapa Dey Barna & Md. Mostafizur Rahman & Henry Ratul Halder & Mohammed Zaber Hossain &, 2022. "Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices concerning Black Fungus during COVID-19 Pandemic among Students of Bangladesh: An Online-Based Cross-Sectional Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-19, July.

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