Knowledge, preventive behaviors, and risk perceptions of medical students toward COVID-19: A questionnaire-based original research study

ABSTRACT

Background: Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) was identified as a cause of a disease outbreak in 2019 that originated in China. An infection without a cure makes the people, especially health care workers more vulnerable to get affected because of insufficient knowledge and unhealthy practices. Aim and Objective: This study aims to assess the knowledge and perceptions among medical students. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2020 to February 2021 among the undergraduates and interns. The study was adapted from the current interim guidelines and information provided by Ministry Health and Family Welfare, Government of India (MOHFW, GOI) and Indian Council of Medical Research. Results: There were a total 355 participants. The majority (90.4%) of students had adequate knowledge. Only 9.5% had partial or no knowledge, the majority >90% of them showed a positive perception of COVID-19 prevention and control. In fact, majority 98.30% of students also got vaccinated against COVID-19. Conclusion: As there is no specific cure against COVID-19, it is essential to improve knowledge and belief among general public to prevent the spread. Medical students can, therefore, play a significant role by making community people aware about the seriousness of this pandemic.