Impact of health education on knowledge, attitude and practices of COVID-19 among slum dwellers of Nashik, India

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic can be effectively curtailed by COVID-19 appropriate practices. Identifying knowledge gaps and giving health education to address the weak areas will be key to breaking the chain of COVID-19. Aim: To assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) of COVID-19 among slum dwellers and to assess the impact of health education on the same. Materials and Methods: The quasi experimental was conducted among the slum dwellers from July 2021 to August 2021 at three slums (Sant Kabir Nagar, Anandwalli slum behind Wasan bungalow, Kamgar nagar) of Nashik city, Maharashtra, India. To assess KAP using a prevalidated questionnaire with 16 knowledge questions, 6 attitude questions and 8 practice questions. A brief video was utilised for health education regarding COVID-19. Knowledge was reassessed after the intervention. A total of 164 participants from 3 slums completed the preintervention and postintervention questionnaire. Data was analysed using appropriate statistical tests like Chi-square test, Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: Satisfactory level of knowledge, attitude and practices was found in 72.56%, 82.32% and 51.83% of the study participants. Knowledge gap was found in social distancing (35.98%), possibility of re-infection (20.73%) and infection after vaccination (28.66%). Around 25.61% said that children need not follow COVID-19 appropriate practices. 97.56% participants had taken at least 1st dose of COVID vaccine. There was high prevalence of inappropriate practices like not maintaining social distancing at workplace (21.95), using public transport (65.24%), etc. There was no association of socio-demographic characteristics and the COVID-19 KAP. There was significant increase in the knowledge level after the health education. Preintervention and postintervention knowledge scores was 10.82±2.39 and 12.91±1.79, respectively. Conclusion: In spite of satisfactory knowledge level and attitudes, around half the population was involved in incorrect practices. There was no association of socio-demographic factors on the KAP of COVID-19. Post health education, knowledge level improved significantly.