Covid 19: Public Knowledge and Preventive Behaviors

Abstract

Background and Aim: Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus is being the world serious problem with the total case that has elevating dramatically. The people knowledge about Covid-19 is prominent aspect in deal with the behavior to prevent the transmission of Covid-19. The aim of this research is to identify the relationship between the level of knowledge and Covid-19 prevention behavior within population. Methods: This research used cross sectional approach. The population were the residence in Rojopolo Disrict, Lumajang, East Java, Indonesia. The survey was conducted using questionnaires that was requested and then collected online used Google Forms among 289 respondents on March-April 2021. The questionnaires examined the demographic of respondents, covid-19 knowledge and preventive behaviors. This research was conducted in a district at Lumajang, East Java, Indonesia. Results: The majority (79.6%) of respondents were at good level of knowledge about Covid-19, 18.3% have enough knowledge, and the rest (2.1%) were at poor level. Meanwhile, for the preventive behavior, most respondents (84.8%) have implemented good behaviors in preventing the transmission such as doing hand washing, wearing mask, and maintaining physical or social distancing. Conclusion: There is a correlation between the level of knowledge about Covid19 and preventive behaviors (p: 0.001; r: 0.568; α: 0.05). Hence, the higher the knowledge, the better the behavior to prevent the transmission of Covid-19. People with good knowledge will perform good behavior in preventing Covid-19. Therefore, public awareness to access the right information about Covid-19 is essential to enhance people in performing preventive behaviors during pandemic era.