RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Beginning of the pandemic showed our limitations in our understanding of the spread of the dreaded coronavirus-19 that had sprung from China and spread through thick and thin across the world. The measures to contain the spread of virus in the absence of specific treatment protocol had everyone grope for the solutions in a very short time frame. One such is the knowledge, attitude, and practice in the rural setup. AIM: The aim of the study is to measure the change in knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) regarding COVID-19 following an awareness session in rural population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-section interventional study was carried out in January 2021. An interactive awareness session was conducted with the help of audiovisual aids following MOHFW guidelines for COVID-19, and the change in KAP about COVID-19 was measured by pre- and posttest standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: Of all the participants, statistically significant change in knowledge was seen from 43% to 52%. The villagers were educated about preventive steps and a positive change was measured in the practice of changing masks regularly (84%-100%), maintaining social distancing (44%-64%), frequent handwashing (52%-64%). No change was seen in wearing of masks (92%) and negative change was seen in avoiding handshakes (32%-28%). The preventive practices regarding COVID-19 pandemic changed significantly from 50% to 58%. Our study measured positive attitude change toward getting vaccinated from 64% to 72%. CONCLUSION: A single, short awareness session led to significant change in KAP about COVID-19 in rural population.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Despite coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) being a major health crisis in the current times, only a few studies have addressed its potential direct effect on mental health, especially among COVID-19 patients. AIMS: This study was conducted to assess the mental health of COVID-19 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In cross sectional study, mental health status of 301 symptomatic and 200 asymptomatic COVID-19 participants was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire-28. RESULTS: Around 8.78% COVID-19 patients were found to be psychologically distressed that was predominantly higher among symptomatic COVID-19 patients. Risk of psychological distress was significantly higher in females, living in nuclear families and having a history of addiction. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 patients suffer from psychological distress, which needs to be addressed to cope well with this pandemic situation.