Knowledge and practice of covid-19 preventive measures: comparative analysis of medical and non-medical students university of Port Harcourt

ABSTRACT

The influence of COVID-19 has impacted the education sector just like it has other sectors. This study examined the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of COVID-19 preventive measures among medical and non-medical students of the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers StateMethod: A comparative cross sectional study design using a self-administered structured questionnaire involving a total of 406 students; medical (200) and non-medical (200), using multi-stage sampling. Frequency, percentages, means, and standard deviation were used to describe data where necessary. Chi-square and Fisher exact was used to compare knowledge, attitude, and practice of COVID-19 preventive measures between medical and non-medical students. Results:The mean age of medical and non-medical students was 25.04 and 22.59 respectively. A total of 70% from medical students arm received COVID-19 vaccines while 15.5% of non-medical students arm. 152(73.8%) non-medical students and 123(61.5%) medical studentshad good knowledge of COVID-19. Positive attitude toward COVID-19 preventive measures was showed by 119(59.5%) medical students and 62(30.1%) non-medical students. Concerning practice of COVID-19 preventive measures, 99(48.1%) medical students and78(39.0%) non-medical students practiced appropriately. A chi-square test for association showed that gender, academic level, religion, accommodation status, vaccination status, geopolitical zone, and faculty of students were significantly associated withknowledge, attitude, and practice of COVID-19 preventive measures. Chi-square test also showed that knowledge of COVID-19 was significantly associated with the practice of COVID-19 preventive measures. Conclusion: Non-Medical students had better knowledge than medical student although difference was not significant. Attitude was good and practice of COVID-19 preventive measures was poor among medical students, while poor attitude and poor practice among non-medical students was observed