Research Papers
Awareness on COVID -19 Outbreak and its Preventive Strategies Among a Group of Sri Lankan Social Media Users: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study
Authors:
K. Y. D. Perera ,
Ministry of Health, LK
About K. Y. D.
Registrar in Medical Administration
H. M. A. H. Karunarathne,
Acting Consultant Venereologist, LK
W. S. K. Dileka,
Acting Consultant Venereologist, LK
Y. Dissanayake,
Registrar in Medical Microbiology, LK
S. Amadoru
Ministry of Health, LK
About S.
Registrar in Medical Administration
Abstract
Introduction: Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19) discovered in December-2019 soon became a pandemic and was declared a global public health emergency.
Objectives: The study assessed the public awareness on COVID-19 outbreak among a group of Sri Lankan social media users.
Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in late March-2020, using a self-administered online-questionnaire shared in social media.
Results: Out of 174 respondents, 97 (55.7%) were male and the mean age was 36.1 years. Most were from western province (n=109, 62.7%) and with higher education (64.5%). All ofthe common transmitting modes were identified by only 141 (81%). Respondents identified fever (97.7%) and Cough-93.7% as features of COVID while 131, (75.3%) knew about asymptomatic patients. Even though170 (97.7%) knew the duration of quarantine period 24.6% had a misconception on indications for quarantine. Majority (158, 90.8%) thought the herbal drinks are beneficial. Majority (n=153, 87.9%) knew the indications for using masksand 165 (94.8%) were aware about social distancing. Majority (n=162, 93.1%) were satisfied about the initial COVID-19 control-measures by the government.
Discussion: The level of overall knowledge on the COVID-19 was satisfactory among the participants with some deficiencies including all the modes of transmission. This shows the space for further awareness for controlling the virus better.
How to Cite:
Perera, K.Y.D., Karunarathne, H.M.A.H., Dileka, W.S.K., Dissanayake, Y. and Amadoru, S., 2020. Awareness on COVID -19 Outbreak and its Preventive Strategies Among a Group of Sri Lankan Social Media Users: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of the Ruhunu Clinical Society, 25(1), pp.20–24. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/jrcs.v25i1.92
Published on
17 Dec 2020.
Peer Reviewed
Downloads
