Unsatisfactory COVID-19-Related Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices among Undergraduate University Students in Uganda: An Online Cross-Sectional Survey

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.