Assessment of Knowledge and Preventative Practices about COVID-19 Among OPD Patients

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted public health globally. Understanding the knowledge and preventative practices among patients is crucial for controlling the spread of the virus. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and preventative practices regarding COVID-19 among outpatient department (OPD) patients at Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka Cantonment. Material & Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 71 participants from the OPD of CMH, Dhaka. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. The study assessed demographic characteristics, comorbidities, knowledge, and preventative practices. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.0. Results: The majority of participants were aged 28-37 years (45.07%), with a mean age of 35.18 years. Females constituted 59.15% of the sample. Most participants were married (87.32%), and the predominant religion was Islam (91.55%). Educational levels varied, with 42.25% having completed SSC. Occupationally, 49.30% were housewives. Urban residents made up 76.06% of the sample. Common comorbidities included hypertension (15.49%) and diabetes mellitus (15.49%). High compliance was noted for wearing face masks (97.2%) and using hand sanitizer (91.5%). However, only 46.5% practiced social distancing, and 23.9% maintained good respiratory hygiene. Knowledge gaps were identified, with only 59.2% knowing common COVID-19 symptoms. Conclusions: The study highlights significant gaps in knowledge and adherence to preventative practices among OPD patients at CMH, Dhaka. Targeted educational interventions are needed to improve compliance with critical preventative measures. Addressing these gaps is essential for enhancing public health strategies and controlling the spread of COVID-19.