Publication:

COVID-19- a public health emergency: what do we know? A cross-sectional study on community awareness level towards COVID-19 in Uttar Pradesh, India

Background The aim of this survey study was to assess the level of awareness amongst the population of Uttar Pradesh province of India regarding the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the month of August 2020 amongst 1024 respondents in Uttar Pradesh province, to assess their awareness towards COVID-19 pandemic and its preventive measures.

Result Majority of respondents are aware about some aspects of COVID-19 which are highlighted by media but there also exist a significant knowledge gaps. Awareness level of respondents is high for some aspects of COVID-19, such as; animal responsible for anthropozoonosis, prevention, symptoms, contagiousness of COVID-19. Respondents also expressed the importance of proper nutrition and balanced diet to strengthen the immune system and recover from COVID-19 infection. Also, a considerable percentage of respondents are not fully aware about the risk imposed by COVID-19 on different age groups.

Conclusion Upon the understanding of awareness level of the respondents regarding different aspects of COVID-19, it is clear that there exists a certain knowledge gap, which should be rectified by direct contact of population with the healthcare providers and government health agencies. Government and healthcare agencies should utilize social networking websites as a platform of direct information communication. Intense education program regarding COVID-19 should be initiated by Indian Government enabling direct interaction and ensuring only authentic and complete information is imparted in the population. Government could develop their own program incorporating World Health Organization open course program regarding COVID-19.