Perceived risk, behaviour changes and health-related outcomes during COVID-19 pandemic: Findings in a Medical College.

Abstract

Aims & Objectives: To examine perceived infection risk of COVID-19 and the health and related
behaviour changes among adults and to examine factors associated with self-reported health during the
national quarantine period in India.
1
Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out via social media
across India. A sample of 100 adults of India provided data on socio-demographic characteristics, awareness,
and attitudes towards COVID-19, lifestyle factors, and health outcomes during the quarantine. (Regression
models tested associations among study variables adjusting for covariates.) Results: Among the 100 total
participants, overall, the data suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has had both positive and negative
impacts on people's health and well-being (78%) perceived themselves to be at risk of COVID-19
infection. Participants made a number of behaviour changes in response to the pandemic, including wearing
masks in public (94%), washing hands frequently (93%), and avoiding social gatherings (87%). However,
some participants engaged in risky behaviours, such as smoking (18%) and consuming alcohol (15%).
Participants with comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease were more likely
to report poor health outcomes. The study also found that participants who were more educated and had
higher incomes were more likely to have good knowledge about COVID-19 and engage in preventive
behaviours.