A Cross-sectional Study on Risk Perception of COVID-19 and its Determinants among the Residents in Mangalore

Background: The success of battle against COVID-19 depends on public adherence towards infection control measures, which is greatly affected by risk perception of COVID 19. Assessing risk perception can provide valuable insights into their awareness, beliefs, and attitudes toward the pandemic. Determining the factors that influence risk perception is crucial for designing effective public health interventions Objectives: This study was conducted to assess risk perception of COVID 19 and factors influencing it. Methodology: A community based cross sectional study, by house-to-house visit was conducted among 323 participants. Multistage sampling was adopted. Adults more than 18 years of age, who are the heads of their families was included. A pre-tested semi-structured validated questionnaire was used for data collection by interview method. Chi-square was used to test association. Results: Among 323 participants, 96% had low risk perception of COVID 19. Most of the participants had good knowledge, positive attitude and good practice of preventive measures of COVID 19. Mass media was the most common source of COVID 19 related information. there is significant association between attitude towards preventive measures of COVID 19 and risk perception. (p value 0.02). Conclusion: Majority of the participants had low risk perception of COVID 19 inspite of good knowledge, positive attitude and good practice of preventive measures of COVID 19. This finding indicates that public health interventions may have been effective, fostering a balanced and informed understanding of the risks.