Journal: |
Egyptian Journal of Health Care
Faculty of Nursing- Ain Shams University - Egypt
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Volume: |
13
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Abstract: |
Background: Corona Virus (COVID-19) is a global threat declared by world Health Organization
as a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. The rapid expansion throughout the world has forced all
countries to confine to compulsory regulations to break the chain of infection. Aim of the study:
The current study aimed to investigate community perception about covid-19 among families in
Sharkia governorate, Egypt. Design: A cross- sectional descriptive research design was used to
conduct this study. Setting: The present study enrolled families dwelling in 13 districts out of the 17
districts in Sharkia Governorate. Sample: In total 1288 respondent (322 family) were randomly
enrolled. Tools: Two tools were used they are; (1) Socio-demographic characteristics, (2)
Interview questionnaire developed by the researchers about community knowledge, attitude,
practice and social relations during COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Results discloses that 50,3%
had satisfactory knowledge, 59%, had positive attitude towards management of COVID-19, 55.2%
had adequate practice during the first wave compared to 70.7% in the second wave. Meanwhile,
71.7% participants favored social distancing as a precautionary measure. Moreover, COVID-19 had
tiny effect on relations among family members compared to other relations. Conclusion: The
highest percentage of participants were knowledgeable, had positive attitude, adequate practice, and
favored social distancing as a precautionary measure against COVID-19. Moreover, being female
indicates better knowledge and practice. Whereas being from urban area means favoring social
distancing behavior. However, being belonged to higher social class stands for better knowledge
and practice of precautionary measures specially during first wave of COVID-19.
Recommendations: Social media platforms should be used as the main channel to communicate
sound health messages and build positive attitude toward health issues. Using the directive approach
towards compliance with precautionary measures in times of outbreaks or pandemics, where actions
needed are clear cut. .
Keywords: Community Perception, knowledge, attitude, practice, social relations, Corona Virus (COVID-19), Families, Sharkia Governorate and Egypt
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