Abstract:
Background: University students are
usually self-determined and willing to live
independently; however, they have lack of
life experience. Since they are living in a
limited space and close proximity, they
are at a high risk of getting infected with
COVID-19. Hence, their perceptions and
behaviors are presumably more affected
by COVID-19 pandemic.
Objectives: To assess knowledge,
attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19
among Sri Lankan undergraduates
studying in countries with COVID-19
Method: This was a cross sectional study
conducted among Lankan undergraduates
from 01st of July to 31st of December
2020. Snowball sampling technique was
used. An online self-reported
questionnaire was used for data
collection.
Knowledge was assessed by questions
based on clinical presentation,
transmission routes and prevention and
control of COVID-19. Practices were
assessed by questions on maintaining
social distancing and personal hygiene.
Attitudes towards COVID 19 were
measured by questions based on
agreement on the final control of COVID 19 and confidence in winning the battle
against COVID-19. Data were analyzed
with ANOVA & t-test using SPSS software
version 21. Ethical clearance was obtained
prior to commencing the study.
Results: A total of 213 Sri Lankan
undergraduates were enrolled from India
(23.2%), Russia (39.8%) and Sri Lanka
(36.5%). Out of them 62.1% were females.
The total score for knowledge was ranged
from 0 to 12, with a higher score denoting
a better knowledge of COVID-19.The
mean COVID-19 knowledge score was
8.36(±1.38).
There was no statistically significant
difference in knowledge among
undergraduates with reference to gender,
age, degree, marital status, status of
living, or studying country. Total score for
practice was ranged from 0 to 7.The mean
COVID-19 practices score was 5.59(±1.21).
Female undergraduates (5.86±0.94) had
significantly higher score for practices
compared to males (5.13±1.46,
p=0.000).There was no statistically
significant difference in practices among
undergraduates with reference to other
factors considered. The attitude of
undergraduates towards COVID-19 was
satisfactory.
Conclusion: Though female
undergraduates had better practices
towards COVID-19, our findings suggest
that all the study subjects had good
knowledge, positive attitudes, and
appropriate practices towards COVID-19.
