Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Prevention of Airborne and Droplet Infections During the Outbreak of Corona Virus among the College Students in University of Bisha, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Infection with Coronaviruses can cause severe disease resulting in high mortality. Coronavirus has proven the ability to transmit between humans and animals. Around 35% of reported patients with MERS-Coronavirus infection have died. Objective: To determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) on prevention of Coronavirus infection amongst the college students in the University of Bisha, Saudi Arabia. Methods: The Cross-sectional study conducted, in which 100 students representing from different female colleges. The data were collected by using questionnaires prepared by the researchers. The results: Out of 100 participants, 20 % of the students having Average knowledge, 52% Good knowledge and 28% of them with excellent knowledge. Attitude level of the students was 19% Average attitude, 37 % Good attitude and 44 % of them with excellent attitude. Practice level of the students was 18 % Average Practice, 34 % Good Practice and 48% of them with Excellent Practice. Social media was the main source information about Coronavirus with 67%. However, Health science students have better KAP than science and arts students do which is statistically significant  at P < 0.05 level. The study shows that Knowledge, Attitude and Practice were positively correlated and significant at the 0.01 level. Conclusion: The study showed that participants have a good knowledge, attitude, and practice toward prevention of Coronavirus. The outcome of this study highlights the need for widespread awareness campaigns about prevention of airborne and droplet infections and new emerging diseases to public through posters, television, and healthcare professionals for the people who are not using with internet and social media.