Browsing by Author "Bhattacharyya, Saikat"

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    Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of COVID-19 in Adolescents Attending Covid Vaccination Center in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kolkata, India: A Cross-sectional Study
    (Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2024-01) Roy, Atanu; Mondal, Soumitra; Bhattacharyya, Saikat; Ganguly, Mekhala
    Introduction: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID?19) among adolescents in India, recognizing the vital role this demographic plays in pandemic control. Materials and Methods: Conducted at the Medical College, Kolkata COVID?19 vaccination center from June to August 2022, this web?based prospective cross?sectional study included individuals aged 13–19 years. Data collection involved a structured questionnaire in multiple languages, ensuring broad accessibility. Ethical standards were upheld with online informed consent and rigorous data confidentiality measures. Results: The study revealed balanced gender representation among participants, with most enrolled in the 10th or 12th standard. Parents’ educational backgrounds varied, but a significant proportion had family members employed in the health?care sector (66.7%). Knowledge about COVID?19 in India was surprisingly limited: only 3.7% knew about oxygen saturation and its utility. 18.75% considered depression as a comorbidity of COVID?19. 73.8% of the participants relied on social media for information about COVID?19. A majority (66.25%) of the participants believed 2 doses of the vaccine would protect them from the disease. Twice as many women believed in the protection offered by vaccines. Conclusion: This research, distinct from conventional scoring?based studies, emphasized uncovering misconceptions and knowledge gaps. Importantly, many adolescents lacked awareness of the true COVID?19 situation in India, potentially undermining the pandemic gravity perception and preventive measures. Although participants showed awareness of common COVID?19 symptoms and preventive measures, knowledge about comorbidities’ influence on mortality rates was limited.