SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CORRELATION WITH KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE TOWARD CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS IN GONDAR TOWN, NORTHWEST ETHIOPIA: INSTITUTIONAL BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Despite many efforts taken, the COVID-19 pandemic continued as a global public health concern. Educational institutions are one of the risky areas for the spread of COVID-19. Hence, obedience to preventive measures is the most effective strategy. However, there are limited studies regarding the proposed topic in Ethiopia, particularly that reaching out to college students. Therefore, this study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice towards COVID-19 prevention among college students in Gondar town, northwest Ethiopia, 2021. Method: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among college students in Gondar town. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 626 students. A binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify associated factors and an adjusted odds ratio was used to measure the strength of the association. Result: From the total study participants, 69.2% (95% CI: 65.7-73.0%) had good knowledge, 51 % (95%:47-54.8%) had a positive attitude, and 68.1 % (95% CI: 64.4-71.6%) had good practices towards COVID-19 prevention. Year of study, category of students, residence, living with family, and the family number were significantly associated with good knowledge. In addition, category of students, residence, maternal education, history of COVID-19 victim, and good knowledge were significantly associated with a positive attitude. Moreover, year of study, residence, living with family, maternal education, having good knowledge and a positive attitude to COVID-19 prevention were significantly associated with good practice. Conclusion: The level of knowledge of the study participants about COVID-19 is high; however, their practice and attitude towards COVID-19 prevention found to be satisfactory and low, respectively. Hence, further awareness creation should be given for students to address the gap of knowledge, attitude, and practice. Keywords: knowledge, attitude, practice, COVID-19, college students, Ethiop