Myths and misconceptions related to CoVID-19 among future health care providers in a private University of Islamabad - An interventional study

  • Sajida Naseem Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Shifa College of Medicine, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Zahid Naeem Professor & HOD, Department of Community Medicine, Shifa College of Medicine, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Hiba Choudhry Demonstrator, Department of Community Medicine, Shifa College of Medicine, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Ghanwa Bereach Demonstrator, Department of Community Medicine, Shifa College of Medicine, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Saima Rafi Demonstrator, Department of Community Medicine, Shifa College of Medicine, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Fozia Tahir Demonstrator, Department of Community Medicine, Shifa College of Medicine, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Mansoor Ahmed Qazi Demonstrator, Department of Community Medicine, Shifa College of Medicine, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Sana Mangrio Medical Social Officer, Department of Community Medicine, Shifa College of Medicine, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Rehana Khalil Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Unaizah College of Medicine, Qassim University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.32593/jstmu/Vol3.Iss2.105
Keywords: health education, myths, misconceptions, healthcare providers, Pakistan, COVID-19

Abstract

Background: Erroneous treatments are hovering all over the internet and social media due to non-existence of the ultimate treatment to CoVID-19. There is a need to disseminate correct knowledge and encourage practices based on evidence, which can successfully prevent the spread of this deadly global pandemic.

Objectives: The objective of the study was to explore the myths and misconceptions related to CoVID-19 pandemic in a pre and post health awareness workshop among the future health care professionals in a private medical university in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Methodology: A quasi experimental study was carried out in March, 2020 over a period of two weeks at Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad. The participants included undergraduate medical, nursing and pharmaceutical sciences students, making a total sample size of 315. Simple random sampling was used. Data was collected using a self-designed questionnaire exploring the myths and misconceptions. A pre and post health awareness workshop was conducted and questionnaires filled by the participants. Data was analyzed using SPSS 23. Result: A change in the frequency of concepts related to myths and misconceptions was observed following the health awareness session, results were statistically significant using McNemar’s test in context to majority of the myths and misconceptions, p-value < 0.05.

Conclusion:  Health education has very important role in public health especially in times when the health problem is novel. In such situations, emphasis should be paid on the health education as it can modify the behavior regarding myths and misconceptions which can contribute to decrease in morbidity and mortality.

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Published
2020-12-23
How to Cite
1.
Naseem S, Naeem Z, Choudhry H, Bereach G, Rafi S, Tahir F, Qazi M, Mangrio S, Khalil R. Myths and misconceptions related to CoVID-19 among future health care providers in a private University of Islamabad - An interventional study. JSTMU [Internet]. 23Dec.2020 [cited 18Apr.2024];3(2):81-7. Available from: https://j.stmu.edu.pk/ojs/index.php/jstmu/article/view/105
Issue
Vol 3 No 2 (2020): Journal of Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University
Section
Original Article

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