Unsatisfactory COVID-19-Related Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices among Undergraduate University Students in Uganda: An Online Cross-Sectional Survey
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Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Open Journal of Preventive Medicine
Abstract
Background: This study examined the COVID-19-related knowledge, attitude
and practices among undergraduate students in Uganda. Methods: An
online cross-sectional survey was conducted from 12th-19th June 2020 among
undergraduate students using a standard questionnaire designed using
Google Forms sent via WhatsApp Messenger. The data were analyzed using
SPSS. Pearson’s Chi-square test was used to test the differences and odds ratios
with their 95% confidence intervals were used for quantifying the association
between independent and dependent variables. p < 0.05 was considered
significant. A cut-off score of ≥80% was used to denote sufficient knowledge,
positive attitude, and good practices. Results: Of the 161 respondents,
102 (63.4%) were males with a mean age of 24.2 (5.0) years. The majority 121
(75.2%) were pursuing health-related programs and overall, 110 (68.3%)
had sufficient knowledge while 76 (47.2%) had a positive attitude and good
practice each. Knowledge and attitude were significantly associated with
health-related programs (AOR 4.78, 95% CI 2.06 - 11.07; p < 0.001) and
(AOR 3.18, 95% CI 1.33 - 7.62; p = 0.010) respectively. The practice was associated
with the male gender (AOR 2.37, 95% CI 1.19 - 4.73; p = 0.014). The
most commonly cited sources of COVID-19 information were news media
147 (91.3%), Ministry of Health 134 (83.2%), and social media 125 (77.6%).
The ministry of health was considered the most trustworthy source 139 (86.3%)
and social media the least 21 (13.0%). Conclusions: COVID-19-related
knowledge, attitude and practices among undergraduates in Uganda were low overall. Therefore, concerted efforts to provide tailored health education and
behaviour change communication are needed.
Description
Keywords
Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, COVID-19, Undergraduate Students
Citation
Nyeko, R., Amanya, S.B., Aleni, M. and Akello, F. (2021) Unsatisfactory COVID-19-Related Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices among Undergraduate University Students in Uganda: An Online Cross-Sectional Survey. Open Journal of Preventive Medicine , 11, 259-277. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojpm.2021.116021