Public Perspective and Adherence to Government Directives in the Face of COVID-19 Situation in India

Public Perspective and Adherence to Government Directives in the Face of COVID-19 Situation in India

Rupsa Banerjee, Bratati Banerjee

Background: Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID -19) is an acute respiratory illness which spread rapidly to many countries including India. The Government of India took several measures to control the spread of the disease including issuing advisories and awareness materials for the public along with nationwide lockdown. Aims: To assess the public perspective of the disease, their behaviour during lockdown and adherence to government directives for its prevention. Materials and Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult population residing in India during the lockdown, using a self-administered online-circulated questionnaire. Snowball sampling technique was followed. Data were collected on awareness regarding the disease and adherence to advisories issued by the government during the lockdown. Results: A total of 404 subjects sent their responses, of whom 73.76% were aged less than 50 years and 51.24% were females. More than 85% knew about the modes of spread of the disease and 97.5% knew its symptoms. Most participants were aware that they had to call the COVID-19 helpline number or visit a doctor/hospital immediately in case they came in contact with an infected person or developed symptoms themselves. Around 79% reported that they went out of their house during lockdown, mostly to buy essential supplies, of whom 8.7% went outside almost every day. More than 90% followed correct handwash practices but approximately 6% of those who went out didn’t use a mask regularly and 2% never used a mask. Conclusion: Majority of the participants across India were aware regarding COVID-19 and were following Government directives.

2020

covid-19, Pandemic, coronavirus disease, public awareness, adherence, government directives

10.4103/mamcjms.mamcjms_43_20

Biotemas

Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina

Medicine