Knowledge and beliefs towards universal safety precautions during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic among the Indian public: a web-based cross-sectional survey

Background The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is considered the most serious global health threat in recent times. As there is a current lack of approved treatments and vaccines, universal safety precautions (USPs) must be taken to deal with this emergency. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and beliefs of the Indian public with regard to USPs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted during March 2020. A 20-item self-administered questionnaire was developed, validated and distributed using Google Forms through social media networks. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors influencing knowledge regarding COVID-19 USPs. Results Of the 1117 individuals who participated in the survey, the mean age was 28.8 +/- 10.9 years, 32.9% had a postgraduate education, 45% had a professional job, and 40% belonged to the upper-middle economic class. Overall, the mean correct response scores were 63% for USP knowledge and 83% for USP beliefs. All the sociodemographic variables were significantly (p < 0.001) associated with the USP knowledge levels. Importantly, students were less likely to have a lower level of USP knowledge compared with the other occupations (odds ratio 0.35, 95% CI 0.23-0.53; p < 0.001). Conclusion Although the knowledge and beliefs of the Indian public towards USPs are encouraging, there is a need for long-term educational interventions as the dynamics and severity of COVID-19 rapidly change. These findings could guide public health authorities to make and implement precautionary measures to combat this pandemic.