KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES OF COVID-19 PREVENTIVE BEHAVIORS DURING PRE AND POST LOCKDOWN PERIOD IN SELECT DISTRICTS OF WEST BENGAL

Most of the countries across the globe are in critical phase due to newly emerged COVID-19 pandemic. It has slowed down the economic activities all in a sudden. Although, certain countries resumed the economic activities from second or third quarter of the financial year 2020. But the sudden lockdown has great impact on daily life of the individuals especially for the marginalized daily labors. Labors returned from their work station to their native place and lots of miseries; many of them lost their lives early than expected. We have no idea about its long-term effects on physical and economic losses due to this pandemic. Again, it proved that India’s prosperity is still based on the rural sector. Villages had accommodated a large number of migrated labors who were out for livelihood.  In this critical phase, it was difficult to contact respondents for face-to-face interview. A google form was designed with specific questions to measure knowledge, attitude and practices of COVID-19 sensitive behaviors. The link of the questioner was shared with the known networks in five districts, namely Murshidabad, Purulia, Birbhum, Malda and Uttar Dinajpur. Data was collected following the direct interview method through the said online platform. Altogether, 72 respondents submitted their valuable inputs. Responses were downloaded from the google drive and compiled in excel sheet for further analysis. Ethically, no personal data collected to maintain the privacy of the respondents. The link was activated for one-month period. After that the link was deactivated. The current study gathered evidences of high knowledge on risk behavior but practice level is low. This is one of the hinders to stop the highly infected COVID-19 pandemic. Still now there are many facts to reveal. Only certain preventive behaviors can stop from getting infected. The preventive behaviors are - 1) proper usages of mask, 2) frequent hand washes with soap with water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, 3) avoid gathering, 4) safe respiratory practices especially cover mouth and nose with using handkerchief, tissue paper or cover up with elbow.  This study contributed to find out the knowledge and practices of COVID-19 preventive behaviors of respondents. On the other hand, the role of individual or groups to prevent COVID-19 pandemic and how effectively people usages the available information technology (IT) based resources especially the Arogyo Settu app and tele-counselling services. Certain interesting changes at attitudinal level are very encouraging such as approaching to local healers at the time of health emergencies has been reduced in both rural and urban areas. Access to health care centers is high.

Keywords: COVID-19 Sensitive Behaviors, Attitude and Practice of COVID-19, Health Care Services.


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