Year : 2023

Volume : Volume 14

Issue : Issue 3

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Sruthi Jeevagan,
sruthijeevagan@gmail.com

Abstract

 Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has enforced a huge burden on the primary health-care systems around the 
world to deal with this global health challenge. The recent global threat of this pandemic is rapidly progressing and has placed a high priority 
on the investigation of medicaments. The rapid rise in COVID-19 occurred during the 1st week of March 2020, wherein, cases of COVID-19 
reached over 100 countries with more than 100,000 cases reported. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge and perception regarding 
COVID-19 among non-teaching professionals in Adhiparasakthi dental college and hospital, Melmaruvathur. Materials and Methods: This 
study was conducted over a period of 2 months from the start of May 2020 to the end of June 2020. The total number of participants enrolled 
was 100. Each questionnaire had a total of 15 questions in their vernacular language, regarding COVID-19 assessed. Questionnaires filled out 
by the participants were collected for statistical analysis and the results were expressed as a percentage. Results: A total of 100 participants 
were included in the present study. Regarding questions related to knowledge of coronavirus, 82% of participants had heard about the recent 
coronavirus. However, 11% were not aware about coronavirus spread from person to person through small drops from the nose or mouth, which 
can be dispersed widely through an infected person when they cough or breath. Almost 93% of the participants knew about masks and the 
importance of wearing masks for their safety and prevention of coronavirus and its spread. About 87% of participants were unaware of using 
thermometers and also about 67% of participants were unaware of the Aarogya Setu application. Conclusion: Although the majority of the 
participants are aware of the coronavirus, they lack in-depth knowledge as seen in their perception of knowledge through detailed questions. 
Hence, there is a need for increased awareness regarding the symptoms, and implementation of precautionary measures and guidelines laid 
down by the authorities from time to time.