Knowledge regarding preventive measures of COVID- 19 and associated factors among employees of selected companies in Colombo area, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Introduction: Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the demand for Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) increased. In order to have a continuous supply of goods, employees’ knowledge on preventive methods of COVID 19 is important. Objectives: To describe the knowledge regarding preventive measures of COVID 19 and their associated factors among employees of selected companies in Colombo area. Methods: This study was carried as a web based descriptive cross-sectional study. Employees of selected companies located in 2A and 2B administrative districts of Colombo municipality area was selected using snowballing sampling method. 105 participants filled the online google form. Descriptive statistics was analyzed by using SPSS version 26.0 and Chi square test was used to determine the relationship between the variables. Statistical significance was taken as p<0.05. Results: Mean age of the participants was 37.05 (SD±12.78). Majority were male (75.2%). Almost half 49.5% (N=52) of participants showed overall good knowledge. Majority knew about the causative agent and the origin of CO VID 19. Regarding treatment of COVID 19, majority knew there is no cure for COVID 19 but believed antibiotics are used as first line treatment. Majority believed drinking tea, exposure to higher temperatures more than 25 0C prevents the disease. Interestingly, 53.3% thought asymptomatic person cannot transmit the disease. Being female, age under 35 years and having higher education was associated with higher knowledge scores, however these were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusions: Only half 49.5% (N=52) had good knowledge regarding CO VID 19. Correct knowledge should be disseminated to the employees regarding COVID 19.