Frontiers in Public Health (Apr 2023)

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to COVID-19 in Indonesia: A post delta variant wave cross-sectional study

  • Firdaus Hafidz,
  • Insan Rekso Adiwibowo,
  • Insan Rekso Adiwibowo,
  • Gilbert Renardi Kusila,
  • Ayunda Oktavia,
  • Benjamin Saut,
  • Citra Jaya,
  • Dedy Revelino Siregar,
  • Erzan Dhanalvin,
  • Indira Tania,
  • Johana Johana,
  • Mahlil Ruby,
  • Wan Aisyiah Baros

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1072196
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11

Abstract

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IntroductionPublic information and regulations related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been widely published and continuously changed. The Indonesian government has responded to the emerging evidence by regularly updating its unprecedented and preventive measures against the transmission of COVID-19 to the public. It is important to understand how the public responded to these updates. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Indonesians toward COVID-19 after the emergence of the delta variant wave.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among the adult population of non-healthcare workers in Indonesia through an online questionnaire using the SurveyMonkey platform. A total of 1,859 respondents completed this survey from September to October 2021. The knowledge, attitudes, and practices data were analyzed descriptively to find their frequency and percentage. A multivariate analysis was conducted to confirm the factors affecting the respondents' knowledge, attitudes, and practices with a p-value of <0.05 set as significant.ResultsBeing female, having a higher education level, and having a higher frequency of access to COVID-19 news showed significant impacts on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (p<0.001). Older age stratification influenced the knowledge level (p<0.05) but had no significant effect on people's attitudes and practices toward COVID-19. Respondents' perceived probability of being exposed to COVID-19 (p < 0.05) and their COVID-19 infection frequency (p < 0.001) significantly influenced their knowledge. Household income and respondents' knowledge significantly affected their attitudes toward COVID-19. Furthermore, only their attitudes had a significant impact on the respondents' practices. Perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, and vaccination status did not significantly influence their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (p > 0.05).ConclusionAfter more than a year of the COVID-19 pandemic, Indonesians maintain their high level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices. COVID-19 disinformation must be combatted by strengthening authorized media, empowering communities, and improving governance among institutions during and post-pandemic.

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