Public perception on covid-19 in India

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 is a viral pandemic disease affecting more than 215 countries worldwide. Understanding the nature of the disease is a challenge not only for the scientists but also for general public. In this study, the authors have evaluated the perception of general public about the disease COVID-19 using a questionnaire survey. Questionnaire was designed using Google Forms and circulated through the social media like WhatsApp and Facebook. The questions related to the personal details on age, sex and education were received from the respondents. Further, the general understanding about COVID-19, causal organism and symptoms, airborne nature of COVID-19, their spread and containment were also received. The opinion of the respondents towards controlling the disease by State and Central Government, implementation of policy for containment of COVID-19 for Buildings with Air conditioning system were also received using the questionnaire. A total of 463 people responded to the questions. Among the respondents 70.9% are female and the remaining 29 % male. The age of the respondents ranges from 18 to 57. Maximum number of respondents provided correct answer related to the nature, size, shape and the spread of the causal organism. However, confusion prevailed among the respondents related to the medicinal system to practice and the distance of the viral spread. Maximum respondents are satisfied with the steps taken by the Government in controlling the disease and supports bringing a bill for clearance and certification for COVID-19 in A/c Buildings and other public Buildings. The study can be used as an insight by both Central and State Government and the policy makers of India in creating further awareness towards the disease among general public.