Public knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19 in Pakistan: A cross-sectional study

In response to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, each country has adopted different measures for its control, for instance, complete lockdown, smart lockdown based on hotspot analysis, and/or strict movement control on their residents. The effectiveness of such controls depends largely on public knowledge, attitude, and practices towards this novel virus. The prime objective of this study is to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of university students and graduates in Pakistan regarding COVID-19. For this purpose, cross-sectional data is collected from 1789 participants through an online survey conducted between July 12 and August 10. The survey instrument consists of demographic characteristics, 13 items on knowledge, 6 items on attitudes, and 3 items on practices, modified from a previously published questionnaire on COVID-19. Our statistical analyses are based on descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The overall correct response rate of the knowledge section is 73%, which is comparatively lower than similar studies in the region. The majority of participants are optimistic about the successful control of COVID-19 in Pakistan, and following the instructions issued by the government of Pakistan. However, a bulk of participants showed skepticism and no trust in the health facilities of hospitals in Pakistan, which could be the potential explanation of falling confirmed cases in Pakistan. In addition, a low knowledge score is found to be significantly associated with low confidence in successful control of COVID-19, and socially undesirable practices. The results suggest an urgent need for health education programs to hold optimistic attitudes and rebuilding of trust of the general public in health facilities in local hospitals to avoid the possible next wave of COVID-19 in Pakistan.