ABSTRACT
Introduction: Nurses being important frontline workerscan also be a part of infection transmission chain which can be prevented by assessing gaps in their KAP. This study aimed to assess the awareness regarding COVID-19, attitude and coherence to the existing practices amongst nursing professionals of Madhya Pradesh during COVID -19 pandemic. Methods: A questionnaire was prepared based on the guidelines of WHO/ICMR and was circulated via internet to nursing professionals working in either government /private sector medical institutes between 1stMay and 30thJune 2020. Knowledge, attitude, practices and stress levels were assessed. Results:Nursing professionals from 35 districts of Madhya Pradesh participated and the average age was 29 years. The study showed averageknowledge score (56% correct rate) with majority showing optimistic attitude and reasonable practices in fight against the pandemic. Health care training showed significant positive correlation with KAP. Public sector staff excelled more on knowledge scale, showed more positive attitudes and safer practices. Pessimistic attitudes and inauthentic practices showed significant correlation with poor knowledge scores. Majority of the nurses (78%) showed moderate to severe stress