Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) towards COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study among Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) Students of Tanzania

Abstract

There is paucity on both the level of knowledge about COVID-19 and whether
the level of knowledge among students of HLIs is related to their practices
regarding measures proposed for prevention against COVID-19. The objective
of this study was to analyse the level of knowledge, attitude, misconceptions and
practices of students in HLIs in order to improve protection measures being
undertaken by the students and staff at HLIs. The study employed a cross
sectional research design involving 385 HLIs students who were selected
randomly using simple and systematic sampling techniques from four institutions
of HLIs in four regions. The data were collected through using a questionnaire
and analysed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)
whereby descriptive statistics, Chi-square test were analysed. Results indicate
that the general knowledge about COVID-19 was low among students, and it was
different between male and female students; female students had relatively lower
level of knowledge about COVID-19 compared to their male counterparts. Most
students were not aware of how COVID- 19 is transmitted. Most students had
positive attitudes towards COVID-19 control. It can be concluded that, generally
students had low overall levels of knowledge, attitude and practices towards
COVID-19. It is recommended that HLIs should create comprehensive
awareness strategies suited to the needs of male and female HLIs students that
are urgently needed in the fight against COVID-19.