Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of parents towards prevention of Covid-19 infection in children: a hospital based cross-sectional study in Kolkata, India

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic has immense health consequences and all individuals are at risk including children. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended Covid-19 appropriate behaviour as an effective measure for Covid-19 prevention.

Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) related to prevention of Covid-19 among parents of children attending a medical college hospital in Kolkata, India.

Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out among parents of children aged 1-5 years who attended the paediatric outpatient department over a period of three months using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Appropriate statistical tests were used to identify factors influencing KAP. p <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Among 153 participants, the overall correct KAP responses were 68.8%, 78.3%, and 74.6% respectively. Knowledge scores significantly differed across place of residence and educational status. Knowledge and practice scores were significantly positively correlated. Parents having moderate and good knowledge level had more satisfactory practices and it was statistically significant (p<0.05). Satisfactory practice was also significantly more among male subjects (p<0.05).

Conclusions: Parents were aware about the mode of spread and symptoms of Covid-19 in children but awareness about presentation with central nervous system or gastrointestinal tract involvement was lacking. Parents had positive attitudes and adopted good practices towards prevention of Covid-19 in children. Knowledge scores significantly differed across place of residence and educational status. Parents having moderate and good knowledge level had more satisfactory practices for prevention of Covid-19. Social distancing was followed by the majority. The decision of lockdown and closure of schools by the government was favoured by the majority of parents. 

Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2022; 51(3): 377-384