AWARENESS OF COVID-19 AMONG GENERAL POPULATION OF NORTHEAST INDIA: A WEB BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Introduction: The emerging infection of COVID-19 was initiated from Wuhan, China, have been spread to more than 210 countries around the globe including India. Now India is 4th position in the world scenario of COVID-19 with 426910 infected cases and 13,703 deaths by 22 June 2020. In the northeast, Assam is in highest position with 5,586 cases and 9 deaths till now. Awareness is the key factor for prevention of spread of COVID-19 among general people. In view of these contexts, the present study was undertaken to assess awareness of COVID-19 among general population of Northeast India. The aim of the study was to assess the level of awareness among general population of Northeast India regarding COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A web based survey was conducted among 185 people of deferent states of northeast during the period of April and May 2020. A self-structured validated questionnaire used for collecting information. Descriptive analysis was performed to represent the study characteristics. Awareness among the study population was categories into 3 Levels i.e Adequate, Moderately Adequate and Inadequate. Level of Adequate awareness considered as > (Mean + SD, Moderately Adequate as (Mean-SD)-(Mean + SD) and Inadequate as < (Mean-SD. Results & Discussion: Overall awareness on COVID-19, majority of respondents, 97(52.4%) have moderately adequate awareness. 49(26.5%) of respondents have adequate awareness and 39(21.1%) have inadequate awareness. It reveals that overall level of awareness is not satisfactory. Less than half of people were aware adequately about the COVID-19. Highest percentage of adequate, 36(44.4%) and inadequate, 21(25%) awareness reported from Manipur, Highest percentage of moderately adequate awareness reported from Nagaland, 17 (85%). Slightly more than half of respondents were aware about the general information, 102 (67.45%) and risk factors, 119 (64.3%) of COVID-19. Most of the respondents were aware about the mode of transmission, 176(95.1%), meaning of community transmission, 135 (72.9%), common sign and symptoms, 154(83.2%), and incubation periods 164(88.6%) of COVID-19. Regarding prevention of COVID-19, average awareness of total respondents was 154 (83.24%). Similar percentage of all levels of awareness have seen in male and female both. Conclusion: The virus is primarily spread between people during close contact, most often via small droplets produced by coughing, sneezing, and talking. Lack of awareness and negligence of general people regarding mode of transmission of COVID-19 which created community transmission. General people of Northeast still required awareness regarding COVID-19. There is a need of regular awareness programme among the general population by the health care professionals.