Knowledge, Risk Perception and Behavioral Response of COVID-19 Among the General Population Attending Children's Hospital, Lahore

Background: The knowledge, risk perception and behavior of the general population is likely to have an important role in managing the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Awareness of a threat is an important condition for protective action and this needs to be evaluated for appropriate planning. Objective: To determine the knowledge, risk perception and behavioral response of COVID-19 among the general population attending Children's hospital, Lahore. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire and participants were selected through non-probability convenience sampling technique Results: A total of 385 participants were interviewed from 24th April till 30th April 2020. The mean age was 38,0 15.43 years and male to female ratio was 1,9:1, Of this 302/385 (78.5%) considered it a real infection and those having higher education believed more as compared to illiterate (p=0.002). Almost one third (n=142, 37%) considered it as a biological weapon developed by some country or terrorist organization. Touching (81.8%) was perceived as a major mode of spread followed by hand shake (74.2%), close physical contact (63.8%) and sneezing (60.2%). The major source of information was television (52.9%) although 51% considered doctors as the most reliable source. Majority considered it to be a serious infection (67.5%) and the perception of acquiring infection and getting serious or dying was higher among old age people (p=0.019). Major reason of anxiety was financial concerns (33,8%) followed by fear of death of a family member (25.5%). The majority was engaged in preventive behaviors like washing hands (90.5%) and wearing face mask (86.2%). The perception of acquiring infection had strong positive correlation with social distancing and wearing mask. 67,8% participants considered lock down essential and 61.1% were satisfied with government's efforts. Conclusion: The general public attending Children's Hospital had fair knowledge of COVID-19 but there were certain myths, misconceptions and fears attached to the disease. Financial concerns and death of a family member were the major causes of anxiety, Based on this data, the government needs to intensify awareness campaigns to not only encourage preventive measure but to remove myths and alleviate fears related to COVID-19.