Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices toward COVID-19 Prevention among University Students in Enugu State University of Science and Technology

C. N Nwangwu; L. U. Ngwu; E.P. Nwosuji; C Ayuk; I.L Ezeh

C. N Nwangwu Enugu State University of Science and Technology
L. U. Ngwu Enugu State University of Science and Technology
E.P. Nwosuji Enugu State University of Science and Technology
C Ayuk Enugu State University of Science and Technology
I.L Ezeh Enugu State University of Science and Technology

Keywords: Attitudes, knowledge, COVID 19, Prevention and University Students

Abstract

Coronavirus is a global pandemic that has adversely disrupted social, political, and economic as well as educational activities in the world. Reports have shown reductions in the rate of school enrollment, changes in the mode of learning, poor funding, and death of students as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic. Global efforts to prevent the virus and reduce mortality from the disease including manufacturing of the vaccine seemed to have not solved all the COVID 19 related challenges. The population of Nigerian undergraduate students is more than 2 million and it is still unclear the knowledge, attitudes, and practices on COVID-19 prevention among students in Enugu State, Nigeria. This study was undertaken to assess KAP among undergraduates in Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 364 randomly selected undergraduate students. An online structured questionnaire was used to collect the data and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results revealed that students have fairly good knowledge about the disease, however, there is a negative attitude and poor practice towards the disease prevention especially on COVID 19 vaccination. There is a need to embark on a youth-friendly COVID 19 comprehensive prevention measure in universities so that students can make an informed decision toward COVID 19 prevention.