Awareness among under graduate students of Mangalore city regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19) - A questionnaire study

• Published in: Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness 2020-06, p.1
• Main Authors: Das, Deeksha, Ramya Shenoy Kudpi, Mukherjee, Megha, Unnikrishnan, B, Rungta, Nikita
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2020.204

Background: COVID-19 outbreak has surfaced as an imminent threat for the public health. Since India is a populous country, it is important for Indians to be aware of the basic modes of prevention that can diminish the spread of the COVID-19 infection. Aim: The present questionnaire study was carried out among the undergraduate students to assess the awareness regarding the spread and control of COVID-19. Methods: The questionnaire was circulated among the undergraduate students as a google form. Results: The study included responses of 868 undergraduate students belonging to two university colleges. Majority of the participants were females (63%, n=547) in the age range of 18-23 years. About 98.3% (853) had awareness regarding COVID-19. About 94.7% (822) were washing their hands after visiting public places, out of which only 90.6% (786) were aware of proper steps to be followed in hand washing. It was concluded that it is required to create awareness among 20.8% (181) of our study participants regarding the importance of hand washing to control COVID-19. Conclusion: Awareness regarding COVID-19 among study participants was good. However, a small part of the study population is required to be educated on proper steps to be followed in hand washing.