Knowledge and Practices of Preventive Methods of COVID-19 among Parents of Children Admitting to Paediatric Wards in National Hospital, Kandy

Abstract

Introduction Covid-19 virus is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets. Effective vaccination is still questionable. Therefore, adherence to preventive methods like frequent hand hygiene, cough etiquette, maintaining physical distancing and environmental cleaning and disinfection is very important to prevent transmission of disease. Preventive practices of care givers greatly affect children from acquiring the disease. Objectives The main objective was to assess the knowledge and practices of preventive measures of covid-19 and associated factors in the study population. Study design and methodology A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in paediatric wards in National Hospital, Kandy during January 2021 to April 2021 recruiting all the parents and guardians of children who gave the consent to participate in the study. Data collection was done using a self administered questionnaire in Sinhala, Tamil and English mediums Results Out of the 378 total participants, 77.2% were mothers and 66% of all caregivers were not qualified with A/L exam. 92.2% of participants knows the correct cough etiquette that they should cover both nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and 85% practice it in all places. Only 1% had said that they do not need to clean hands and 72.8% knew that they can use either soap and water or alcohol or antiseptic based hand rub to clean hands. Only 0.5% replied as they do not need to wear masks when going to public places but, 100% use masks. 100% knew that social distancing is important and 90% practice it. Majority had gained knowledge from television. Conclusion. The knowledge and practices on COVID 19 preventive measures among caregivers of children are above satisfactory level although the education level of the sample population is comparatively less.