KAP-COVID_GLOBAL: a multinational survey of the levels and determinants of public knowledge, attitudes and practices towards COVID-19.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The adherence to public health recommendations to control COVID-19 spread is influenced by public knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP). We performed this cross-sectional study to assess the levels and determinants of public KAP towards COVID-19 in a large, multinational sample.

Design

Cross-sectional study (survey).

Setting

The questionnaire was distributed to potential respondents via online platforms.

Participants

71?890 individuals from 22 countries.

Methods

We formulated a four-section questionnaire in English, followed by validation and translation into seven languages. The questionnaire was distributed (May to June 2020) and each participant received a score for each KAP section.

Results

Overall, the participants had fair knowledge (mean score: 19.24±3.59) and attitudes (3.72±2.31) and good practices (12.12±1.83) regarding COVID-19. About 92% reported moderate to high compliance with national lockdown. However, significant gaps were observed: only 68.2% knew that infected individuals may be asymptomatic; 45.4% believed that antibiotics are an effective treatment; and 55.4% stated that a vaccine has been developed (at the time of data collection). 71.9% believed or were uncertain that COVID-19 is a global conspiracy; 36.8% and 51% were afraid of contacting doctors and Chinese people, respectively. Further, 66.4% reported the pandemic had moderate to high negative effects on their mental health. Female gender, higher education and urban residents had significantly (p?0.001) higher knowledge and practice scores. Further, we observed significant correlations between all KAP scores.

Conclusions

Although the public have fair/good knowledge and practices regarding COVID-19, significant gaps should be addressed. Future awareness efforts should target less advantaged groups and future studies should develop new strategies to tackle COVID-19 negative mental health effects.

SUBMITTER: Masoud AT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7907623 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature