Original Research Article
Year: 2021 | Month: April | Volume: 11 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 288-292
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20210433
Knowledge, Attitude and Anxiety about the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic among the Urban Community of Mumbai: A Cross Sectional Study
Sheetal Aurangabadkar1, Asmita Karajgi2
1Assistant Professor, The SIA College of Health Sciences, College of Physiotherapy, Dombivli
2Professor and Head, The SIA College of Health Sciences, College of Physiotherapy, Dombivli
Corresponding Author: Sheetal Aurangabadkar
ABSTRACT
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organisation. Pandemics can lead to increased level of stress and anxiety. This is especially true for COVID -19 when there is speculation surrounding the mode and rate of transmission, with the disease spreading at such a magnitude all around the globe. This online survey, related to the knowledge, attitude and anxiety about the novel Corona virus, was conducted among the urban population of Mumbai, India. A total of 155 responses were obtained. All the participants were above 18 years and of Indian origin. Among the participants, 74.2% were females and 25.8% were males. A majority of responders were aware of the basic knowledge of the disease COVID 19. About 65.2% participants reported that Corona virus can spread through touching, sneezing, kissing and food. Most of the participants had positive attitude towards the disease and the social practises related to the COVID 19. Majority of the participants complained of high anxiety and stress related to their personal hygiene, keeping a stock of all the essentials in their home and a constant fear of getting infected.
Conclusion – There is moderate level of awareness about the knowledge related to the mode and spread of COVID 19 among the study population due to their high level of education and internet access. Though there is a positive attitude towards the practise of COVID protocol like isolation and the need for avoiding crowded places, there is still fear of getting infected among the study population.
Key words: Corona virus, Knowledge, Attitude, Anxiety, World Health Organisation.