Awareness on COVID -19 Outbreak and its Preventive Strategies Among a Group of Sri Lankan Social Media Users: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19) discovered in December-2019 soon became a pandemic and was declared a global public health emergency.

Objectives: The study assessed the public awareness on COVID-19 outbreak among a group of Sri Lankan social media users.

Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in late March-2020, using a self-administered online-ques­tionnaire shared in social media.

Results: Out of 174 respondents, 97 (55.7%) were male and the mean age was 36.1 years. Most were from western province (n=109, 62.7%) and with higher education (64.5%). All ofthe common transmitting modes were identified by only 141 (81%). Respondents identified fever (97.7%) and Cough-93.7% as features of COVID while 131, (75.3%) knew about asymptomatic patients. Even though170 (97.7%) knew the duration of quarantine pe­riod 24.6% had a misconception on indications for quarantine. Majority (158, 90.8%) thought the herbal drinks are beneficial. Majority (n=153, 87.9%) knew the indications for using masksand 165 (94.8%) were aware about social distancing. Majority (n=162, 93.1%) were satisfied about the initial COVID-19 control-measures by the government.

Discussion: The level of overall knowledge on the COVID-19 was satisfactory among the participants with some deficiencies including all the modes of transmission. This shows the space for further awareness for controlling the virus better.