Knowledge, attitude, and practices related to the coronavirus pandemic among patients and their attendants visiting the nuclear medicine department.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an ongoing global pandemic. The knowledge, attitude, and practices toward COVID-19 play a fundamental role in determining a society’s predisposition to accept behavioral changes advised by health authorities. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices about COVID-19 among a convenient sample of patients and their attendants visiting the nuclear medicine department in Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted through a comprehensive questionnaire consisting of four sections including demographics, knowledge, attitude, and practices among patients and their attendants coming to the nuclear medicine department of AECH-NORI, from different areas of Pakistan over the duration of 2.5 months from mid-April to June 2020. The data from 231 participants (n = 231) were collected and results were compiled. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Gender was a significant predictor of the level of knowledge and practices concerned (p < 0.05). Education had a statistically significant correlation with attitudes and practices in addition to knowledge (p < 0.05). Young and middle-aged patients were more concerned about the disease when compared to the elderly population. Majority of the participants had sufficient knowledge about the disease (75.8%) and good attitude (66.3%), but having poor practices (48.5%) toward the disease prevention. Conclusion: The study suggests that majority of the patients and their attendants have adequate knowledge and awareness related to COVID-19. However, some aspects of practice were found to be deficient. Consistent counseling and awareness programs are still required to manage the pandemic in Pakistan in order to limit the related morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]