Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Associated with COVID-19 among University Students: a Cross-Sectional Survey in China

Abstract

Abstract Background The current COVID-19 pandemic is effectively constrained by intensified public health measures in China, among which ubiquitous education plays a vital part. Objective This survey aims to understand the status quo acquisition of the ongoing public health education campaign among university students. Methods We designed this cross-sectional survey to investigated the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) associated with COVID-19 among university students during their household isolation at the peak of this pandemic. 872 university undergraduates were recruited from 10 universities in Shaanxi Province, China, in a stratified cluster sampling method. A self-administered and close-ended questionnaire was answered by subjects online voluntarily and anonymously to collect their answers regarding their KAP associated with COVID-19. Results Results showed that appropriate knowledge was acquired by 82.34% subjects, but the level was significantly higher in students from public universities and medical programs than in their counterparts ( P ＜0.05). 73.81% subjects reported positive attitude, with level significantly higher in females ( P ＜0.01). Proactive practice was found in 87.94% subjects. Taken together, the score of KAP was 4.12±0.749, 8.54±1.201, and 8.91±1.431 respectively, suggesting a positive correlation between attitude and practice (r=0.319, P ＜0.01). Total KAP score was 21.57±2.291, apparently correlated with gender (r=0.096, P =0.005) and major (r=-0.081, P =0.017). Conclusions  Most university students acquired necessary knowledge, positive attitude and proactive practice towards COVID-19, but their KAP score significantly varied by gender, major and school type.