Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding COVID-19 among the out patients attending ophthalmology department at a tertiary eye care hospital in North Karnataka.

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding COVID-19 among the population of North Karnataka. Methods: Cross sectional study among the outpatients and attenders attending a tertiary eye care hospital in North Karnataka. A questionnaire regarding knowledge, attitude and practice patterns of COVID-19 was presented to the participants and their responses were analysed. Numbers and percentages and Chi-square test was used. Results: Knowledge assessment among participants was found to be adequate in 169 (51.36%) participants. 65.65% had satisfactory practices in order to reduce the risk of contracting the disease. The attitude of the patients was also found to be satisfactory. However, the knowledge (19.46%), and practice (34.34%) regarding the ophthalmology related modes of spread of the tears like conjunctivitis and tear film was unsatisfactory. Conclusion: As ophthalmologists it is important to create more awareness about preventing the spread of the disease through conjunctivitis and tear film.