Evaluation of COVID-19 appropriate behavior among fully vaccinated students in a medical college of north-east India

ABSTRACT

Background: The current COVID-19 pandemic is one of the greatest public health challenges. The spread of COVID-19 infection continues unabated despite vaccination. Adherence to COVID-19 appropriate behavior is critical to prevent COVID-19 infection. Aim and Objectives: To find out the pattern of COVID-19 appropriate behavior among vaccinated medical students and to estimate the incidence of COVID-19 infection after vaccination. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study using a questionnaire was carried out for a period of 3 months. The questionnaire was prepared based on the guidelines of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Government of India. The data were collected using a pretested Google Form (online digital questionnaire) by means of a web-based survey. Results: About 96.5% of the participants wear face cover or mask while meeting someone or during visit to public places and 91.6% maintain respiratory hygiene, whereas 11.6% spit in the open, 16.1% travel unnecessarily, and 36.8% do not discourage crowd. There is significant (P < 0.05) increase in COVID-19 infection after vaccination. Conclusion: This study suggests that more emphasis should be given on sensitizing the medical students about the standard COVID appropriate behaviors because strict adherence to COVID-19 appropriate behavior is the key to the long-term management of this pandemic.