Knowledge and Preventive Measures Adopted by Allied Health Care Professional Students to Control Transmission of COVID-19 Pandemic Infection During Lockdown

Abstract

Introduction: After declaration of COVID-19 infection as pandemic by World Health Organisation (WHO),
various preventive strategies have been intended to mitigate disease spread and control the infection rate
such as isolation of patients, social distancing, hygienic practices; covering mouth and nose, restriction of
mass gathering in society. Hence we planned this survey to assess the knowledge and preventive measures
adopted by students to control COVID-19 infection during lockdown.
Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among students of School of Allied Health Sciences,
DMIMS, Wardha during April-May 2020. First year was selected randomly and all 168 students were
approached by internet for sharing questionnaire after IEC approval. Received responses is analysed in the
form of descriptive statistics.
Results: Total 139 students responded. 38.85% students understood the relationship between mass
gathering and transmission of COVID-19 infection at community level. Only 34(24.46%) students were
aware about safe social distance. Less than half of the students 66(47.48%) were aware about minimum 20
seconds needed to hand-rub by the alcohol based sanitizer. About 108(77.7%) students maintained the social
distancing sincerely, only 74(52.5%) students always used to wear the mask and; 100(71.94%) participants
always used to wash their hands.
Conclusions: Though some of the students adopted standards practices, others observed to be considering
it as less important. Such survey can be conducted among in various institutions to assess the awareness and
shortfall in practices. Awareness level can be raised through dedicated online awareness program.