Existing Knowledge on COVID-19 Pandemic and Hygienic Practice Among South Indians

Abstract

Introduction: Corona Viruses primarily cause enzootic infections in birds and mammals but, in the last
few decades, it is being capable of infecting humans as well. World Health Origination announces newly
emerging Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is a pandemic and major threats in mortality and
economic crisis.
Objectives: To study existing knowledge, hygienic practice, their traditional food habits and cultural activity
on the novel COVID-19 is every much essential among the general population to reduce further spread of
disease and assimilate the impact for better standards of living.
Methods: A validated and pre-tested questionnaire on knowledge of pandemic COVID-19, hygienic
practice, traditional food habitats and cultural activities were assessed in 800 participants from both Urban
and Rural area which includes aged 18 and above years of both male and female, having school and graduate
education.
Results : This cross sectional study showed that average knowledge on COVID-19 was 68% (Mode of
Transmission 94%; Affecting organ 79%; Morphology of Virus 33% and Symptoms 65%), 78% showed
good Hygienic practice in which only 62% were using handkerchief while coughing and sneezing. An
average of 77% consumed traditional foods (using banana leaves 58%; Rasam 80%; food ingredients like
Turmeric, Ginger and Garlic 94%, lighting lamp and benzoin resin smoke 88%).
Conclusion: As till date there is no effective prophylaxis for COVID-19, which leads to the spread in an
exponential way across the globe, but still in India tropical climate, existing knowledge on mode of the
transmission of virus, good hygienics practices among the public as well as sensitized by the Government
will combat the spread and death due to COVID-19 virus irrespective of dense population.