Knowledge, Preventive Practices and Effect of Different Information Sources on Level of Knowledge Related to Covid-19 among Residents of Sylhet, Bangladesh

Mymensingh Med J. 2024 Jan;33(1):116-124.

Abstract

The increasing number of new cases and death related to Covid-19 poses a major challenge in Bangladesh. People obtain information on the Covid-19 from different sources of information. Appropriate information sources aids in proper implementation of health education program on the disease and its preventive practices. The study aimed to identify the sources of information and corresponding knowledge level related to Covid-19 among residents of Sylhet, Bangladesh. This cross sectional study was conducted in Sylhet division of Bangladesh from September 2020 to November 2020 involving the residents irrespective of sex, age ≥18 years old. A pre-structured questionnaire having twelve validated knowledge questions and five practice questions regarding Covid-19 was used to assess the knowledge and practice. Knowledge level was categorized as good (>6) and poor (≤6). Pearson Chi-square test and Logistic regression was employed to determine whether sources of information were related to respondents' knowledge on Covid-19. Television was popular source for obtaining information on Covid-19 among study participants (55.8%). Majority (86.3%) had 'Good' (>6) level of knowledge. Most of the participants (93.9%) were found to wear mask in outdoor. The association of information sources with knowledge level was statistically significant (p= 0.000). Participants seeking information from Television (AOR: 9.873, 95% CI 0.147-0.838) were more likely to have good level of knowledge than the other sources. The policymakers need to consider mostly utilized source: Television for dissemination of information and design awareness program to increase knowledge and preventive practices related to Covid-19 in Bangladesh.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Bangladesh / epidemiology
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Educational Status
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Information Sources
  • Surveys and Questionnaires