Comparative Study on COVID-19 among Adolescent of Rural and Urban Areas

Abstract

Background of study: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. COVID 19 causes pneumonia & the risk of mortality increases due to co-morbidities (conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer) are more likely to develop serious illness. Worldwide all age groups were affected by COVID-19. Different preventive measures were followed like hand washing, wear masks, social distancing. The discovery of vaccine has reduced the mortality rate & has been very effective against COVID-19. The knowledge & attitude is very important to fight against COVID-19 & prevent such pandemic in future. Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age.  Statement: A comparative study to assess the knowledge and attitude regarding COVID19 among adolescent in selected schools of urban & rural areas of Jalandhar, Punjab. Material & methods: The comparative research design was adopted to accomplish the objectives of the study to assess the knowledge & attitude regarding COVID-19 among adolescent of urban & rural areas. The study was conducted on 50 samples each of urban and rural community areas to assess the knowledge & attitude regarding COVID-19 among adolescent. Non-probability convenient sampling technique is used to select the sample by using inclusion & exclusion criteria & self-structured questionnaire was used. Prior to data collection, written permission was obtained. Analysis & interpretation of data was done with the objectives by using descriptive & inferential statistics like standard error, standard deviation & Karl Pearson’s coefficient of correlation formula. Result: In the study 16(32%) of adolescent had good knowledge regarding COVID-19, 34(68%) had average knowledge & the minimum 0(0%) adolescent had poor knowledge regarding COVID-19 in urban area whereas 1(2%) of adolescent had good knowledge regarding COVID-19, 36 (76%) had average knowledge and 13(26%) adolescent had poor knowledge regarding COVID-19 in rural area. No significant association was found between the knowledge of adolescent girls of urban areas with their social demographic variables i.e. age , level of qualification  and monthly income in Rs .However highly significant association was found between the knowledge of adolescent girls of urban areas with their socio-demographic variables i.e. .religion(12.14**), area of residence(25.52***) and source of information(14.62**). Whereas attitude regarding COVID19 result showed that the study 40(80%) of adolescent had positive attitude regarding COVID-19, 10 (10%) had negative attitude regarding COVID-19 in rural area whereas 45(90%) of adolescent had positive attitude regarding COVID-19, 5(10%) had negative attitude regarding COVID-19 in urban area. No significant relation of attitude of adolescent girls of rural and urban areas with socio-demographic variables i.e. source of information and religion. However, highly significant association was found with age (58.8**), level of qualification (10.5*), area of residence (25.2***) and monthly income in Rs. (8.25*) . Conclusion: The study concluded that adolescent of urban areas have better knowledge & attitude regarding COVID-19 as compared to that of rural areas.  A self-instructional module was prepared to enhance the knowledge regarding COVID19 among adolescent.