Web-based cross-sectional study on knowledge and perceptions about covid-19 in health care students

Background: COVID-19, the novelty and uncertainty of the virus make critical for health authorities to prepare appropriate plans for the treatment as well as prevention of the infection. It is, therefore, utmost important for health professionals to update their knowledge of Covid-19. Materials and methods: A web-based cross sectional survey was conducted among health care students during April-2020. 30 questions were developed related to knowledge on COVID-19 and distributed randomly among health care students. Simple descriptive statistics were used to analyse the study results. Results: A total of 2453 students participated in the study. Out of given 30 questions related to knowledge on COVID-19, medical students answered on an average 17.75± 6.6 correct answers and exhibited well updated clinical knowledge on the recent pandemic when compared to nursing (15.09± 5.09), dental (14.25± 4.89) and pharmacy students (13.62± 6.2) Conclusion: Study findings demonstrate the importance of increased public health information through trusted information channels and sources.