Myths, Misbeliefs, and Healthcare-seeking Behavior Regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection among Adult Population of Puducherry – A Cross-sectional Study
Melbin James, S. Balabaskaran, S. Pravinraj, S. Ashika, K. Chavada Vijay, Johnson CherianIntroduction:
The success of the battle against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) depends on public adherence toward infection control measures, which is greatly affected by their knowledge, perception, and practices.
Objectives:
To assess and compare the prevailing myths, misbeliefs, perceptions, and healthcare-seeking behavior regarding COVID-19 infection among adults in urban and rural Puducherry.
Methodology:
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adults aged 19 years and above in rural and urban areas of Puducherry using a semi-structured pretested validated questionnaire using the multistage sampling technique.
Results:
A total of 426 participants, comprising 204 males (48%) and 222 females (52%), were included in the study from urban and rural Puducherry. The mean ± standard deviation age in years for males was 38.5 ± 13.4 in urban areas and 41.1 ± 15.2 in rural areas. On a 21-point World Health Organization questionnaire, it was found that there was a high prevalence of myths and misbeliefs among rural people (80%) compared to urban people (40%). Regarding perceptions about information, pathogen causing COVID-19, symptoms, and vaccine acceptance, there were no major differences among rural and urban Puducherry. The healthcare-seeking behavior was found to be lesser among ruralities, with only 42.3% ruralities preferring allopathy as the mainstay of treatment if they turned COVID-19 positive.
Conclusion:
From the above study, we conclude that myths are more common among rural people. The healthcare-seeking behavior (COVID-19 testing/admission/treatment) was also lesser among ruralities. Hence, the government should take adequate steps in educating the public to overcome these misconceptions.