Unsatisfactory COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes and practices among undergraduate university students in Uganda: an online cross-sectional survey
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Date
2021-06
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Scientific Research Publishing
Abstract
This study examined the COVID-19-related knowledge, attitude and practices among undergraduate students in Uganda. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted from 12th-19th June 2020 among undergraduate students using a standard questionnaire designed using Google Forms sent via WhatsApp Messenger. The data were analyzed using SPSS. Pearson’s Chi-square test was used to test the differences and odds ratios with their 95% confidence intervals were used for quantifying the association between independent and dependent variables. p < 0.05 was considered significant. A cut-off score of ≥80% was used to denote sufficient knowledge, positive attitude, and good practices. Of the 161 respondents, 102 (63.4%) were males with a mean age of 24.2 (5.0) years. The majority 121 (75.2%) were pursuing health-related programs and overall, 110 (68.3%) had sufficient knowledge while 76 (47.2%) had a positive attitude and good practice each. Knowledge and attitude were significantly associated with health-related programs (AOR 4.78, 95% CI 2.06 - 11.07; p < 0.001) and (AOR 3.18, 95% CI 1.33 - 7.62; p = 0.010) respectively. The practice was associated with the male gender (AOR 2.37, 95% CI 1.19 - 4.73; p = 0.014). The most commonly cited sources of COVID-19 information were news media 147 (91.3%), Ministry of Health 134 (83.2%), and social media 125 (77.6%). The ministry of health was considered the most trustworthy source 139 (86.3%) and social media the least 21 (13.0%). COVID-19-related knowledge, attitude and practices among undergraduates in Uganda were low overall. Therefore, concerted efforts to provide tailored health education and behaviour change communication are needed.
Description
Keywords
Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, COVID-19, Undergraduate Students
Citation
Nyeko, R., Amanya, S.B., Aleni, M., Akello, F. (2021). Unsatisfactory COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes and practices among undergraduate university students in Uganda: an online cross-sectional survey. Open Journal of Preventive Medicine, 11(6):259-277. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojpm.2021.116021