Knowledge and Attitude towards COVID-19, Face Mask Use Practice and Associated Factors among Metu Health Science College Trainees: Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease has become a major global public health issue. Correct knowledge and attitudes are of paramount importance in enhancing preventive practice. Among the COVID-19 prevention techniques, mask-wearing is considered the most recommended. In the country of Ethiopia, even though different works of literature are available about COVID-19, there is still limited information on knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 and face mask use practice among health care trainees in health training institutions and colleges. Objectives: To assess the knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19, face mask use practice, and associated factors among Metu Health Science College (MHSC) trainees, Southwest Ethiopia, 2022. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among MHSC trainees from Jan. 24 to Mar. 7, 2022. The sample size for this study was 257 and the sampling method used was systematic random sampling after proportional allocation of samples to each departments. Data were collected by using a self- administered and structured questionnaire. Data were entered using Epi-Data Version 3.1 and analysis was carried out by Stata. Descriptive statistics were computed. Univariate and multi-variable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with the dependent variable. A p-value of less than 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance using an AOR with a 95% CL. Results: The overall adequate knowledge and favorable attitude towards COVID-19 and proper face mask use practice were 66.26%, 51.22%, and 72.76% respectively. The factors associated with trainees' knowledge about COVID-19 were age group 20-24 years old (AOR=3.21, 95% CI:1.52-6.75) and 25 and above years old (AOR4.550= 95% CI: (1.854, 11.166)), completing certificate and above (AOR=3.35, 95% CI: 1.82-6.16) and being fist year, (AOR=2.39, 95% CI: 1.05-5.47). The predictors of attitude towards COVID-19 were being 2 nd -year college duration (AOR=2.21, 95% CI: 1.18-4.11), average monthly income >1500 ETB (AOR=4.63, 95% CI: 2.27-9.44) and having previous experience on IPC (AOR=2.22, 95% CI:1.19-4.11). Again the predictors of mask use practice were age 20-24 years old (AOR=2.19, 95% CI: 1.04-4.63), being employed (AOR= 2.64, 95% CI: 1.12-6.25) and being married (AOR=4.10, 95% CI: 1.91-8.82). Conclusion: The knowledge as well as attitude of participants towards COVID-19 and mask use practice was low. The factors associated with participants’ knowledge of COVID-19 were age group, educational status and college duration. Also predictors of attitude towards COVID-19 were college duration, average monthly income and having previous experience on IPC whereas the predictor of mask use practice were employment status, age group, and marital status. So, an effective strategy should be developed to enhance the trainees’ knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 and mask use practice.