ABSTRACT
Background:Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is defined as an illness caused by a novel coronavirus, now called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2. The present study was conducted to assess knowledge and attitude of interns in the prevention and control of COVID-19. Materials & Methods:50 interns of both genders were included. A questionnaire assessed knowledge comprising of each item contained 3 options, namely, “true”, “false” and “don’t know”;1 point was given for a correct answer, and 0 points were awarded for an incorrect answer or a “don’t know” response. The total score of this section ranged from 0 to 13, and higher scores were correlated with more knowledge. The attitude section included items, and a Likert scale was used to assess the level of agreement with the statements;response options ranged from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Results: Out of 50 subjects, males were 22 and females were 28. What causes COVID-19 replied correct by 94%, incubation period of COVID-19 by 95%, overall mortality of COVID-19 by 84%, what are laboratory test available by 98%, family gatherings may spread infection by 89%, washing hands frequently, wearing masks and other measures can effectively prevent infection by 99%, most have good prognosis by 82% and suspected and confirmed patients should be isolated and treated in designated hospitals by 94%. Attitude was strongly agree, agree, not sure, disagree and strongly disagree in response to I pay close attention to the development of the epidemic situation in 94%, 5%, 1% respectively, I think I am playing an important role in controlling the epidemic in 92%, 3%, 3%, 1% and 1% respectively. It is believed that the outbreak will soon be contained in 90%, 2%, 5%, 2% and 1% and I am willing to cooperate with the relevant departments to take prevention and control measures in 82%, 8%, 6%, 3% and 1% respectively. Conclusion: Interns had sufficient knowledge and attitude in the prevention and control of COVID-19.