KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF STUDENTS ABOUT COVID-19: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

The COVID-19 outbreak has become an immediate public health threat. To contain the spread of the virus, the Kazakhstani government adopted emergency measures nationwide, including the closure of schools and universities, workplaces and subsequently lockdown. Objective. We aimed at studying knowledge and awareness about the sources, symptoms, and prevention measures of COVID-19 among students. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted at al-Farabi KazNU, Almaty, Kazakhstan. Sample size was 5440 university students. A questionnaire was conducted on asking to assess the knowledge of students about COVID-19- related information, including questions on ways of spreading, symptoms, and vulnerable groups. In addition, preventive measures were evaluated. Results. Social media and media identified the most informative sources of information. The overall median knowledge score was 14 out of 19. Age and grade, studying at medical faculty, marital status and having children were associated with good knowledge about COVID-19. Moreover, according to students, practising a healthy lifestyle (60.1%), avoiding crowded places (59.4%), avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes with unwashed hands (58.5%) were effective preventive measures. Conclusion. Knowledge and awareness are essential tools in preventing disease. Students demonstrated fair good knowledge, although training programs for students about infectious diseases should be provided.