CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES OF HAND HYGIENE, FACE MASK, AND SOCIAL DISTANCING AMONG HEALTHCARE STUDENTS DURING COVID-19 FOURTH WAVE

Abstract

Objective: To assess medical students’ knowledge, attitude, and practices of hand hygiene, mask-wearing, and social distancing during the 4^th wave of COVID-19 in Pakistan, and to derive insights relevant to preparedness against future infectious disease outbreaks.

Method: During the fourth wave of COVID-19 in Pakistan, 319 medical students from Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) Karachi participated in online descriptive cross-sectional research between June and August 2021 using a self-developed questionnaire. The findings were further analyzed to understand behavioral trends and preparedness measures applicable to future public health emergencies. 

Results: This study involved 319 medical students, of whom 212 (66.5%) were female and 107 (33.5%) were male. Approximately 72% of participants knew enough about COVID-19. To our surprise, 53% of participants were unaware of the WHO recommended distance between two persons. Approximately half of the participants advised others to wear a mask. 88.7% urge their family members, friends, and relatives to get vaccinated. More than half (64.9%) of participants used social media platforms to raise public awareness regarding COVID-19. The findings provide valuable insight into preventive health behaviors among future healthcare professionals during a major public health crisis. 

Conclusion: The study demonstrated adequate knowledge and generally positive preventive practices among medical students regarding COVID-19 safety measures. The findings also highlight the important role of medical students in community awareness and public health promotion. Although adherence to some preventive practices declined over time, the study offers useful baseline evidence for strengthening preparedness strategies, risk communication, and behavioral interventions during future infectious disease outbreaks.