Resumen
Introduction: Unprecedented measures have had to be taken to control the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Guatemala. The adherence that people have to these measures is affected by their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) used against COVID-19. Objective: The purpose of the study was to investigate the KAP in fourth, fifth and sixth year medical students at the Francisco Marroquín University during the pandemic. Methodology: Participants completed an online questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into two sections. In the first section, demographic data of the participant was requested. The second assessed general knowledge about clinical features and prevention of COVID-19. The participants’ attitudes and practices towards the disease were also evaluated with simple questions about the confidence that the students have in reducing the spread of the disease, and the protective measures that they practice every day, such as wearing a mask, washing their hands, social distancing, among others. Results: Among the participants who completed the questionnaire (n = 108) 64.8% were women. Of the total number of participants, 47.2% belong to the sixth year, 28.7% to the fifth year and 24.1% to the fourth year. The average knowledge was 16.35 out of 20 points in the questionnaire. 100% of the participants wear a mask when leaving home. And 100% agree that education can help to prevent the number of cases of COVID-19. Conclusion: As the global threat of COVID-19 continues to emerge, it is critical to improve the knowledge and perceptions among medical students. Educational interventions are urgently needed to reach health workers.
Citas
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