Knowledge, attitude and practices towards COVID-19 among the parents of pediatric patients in a tertiary care center of mountainous region

Abstract

Introduction: The disease-causing virus (a member of the corona virus family) was named severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the disease was referred to as COVID-19. This disease soon crossed China’s boundaries and became a global health emergency. Similar to Middle East respiratory syndrome corona virus (MERS-CoV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus (SARS-CoV), this virus causes pneumonia, which can be fatal in severe cases. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 262 parents orguardians of Pediatric patients who visited pediatric OPD of GMC DODA during March-April2021.The participants were given adequate information about theobjectives and purpose of the study and informed consent was taken. Those parents or guardians, who agreed totake part in the study, were assessed in a quiet room adjacent to pediatric OPD. Results: A total of 262 parents or guardians ofchildren whovisited the pediatric OPD completed the surveyquestionnaire. The mean age of participants was 32.15(SD = 7.69) years ranging from 18 to 65 years. Of total,60.1% were female and remaining 39.9% were males. Conclusion: This study concluded that the participants had goodknowledge, positive attitude and sufficient practice towardsCOVID-19. Knowledge was higher in participants with higherlevel of education. The findings are useful for policy-makersto consider a comprehensive specific group target for healtheducation programs for COVID-19 prevention and control.