15 COVID-19 and Moroccan nursing students: A multicenter cross-sectional survey on their related knowledge, attitudes and practices

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The purpose of our study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Data were collected using an online questionnaire consisted of demographic characteristics and 24 items about COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes and practices. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: A total of 1,216 nursing students participated in this study. About 82% of the participants reported that the COVID-19 virus spreads via respiratory droplets of infected individuals. The most clinical symptoms of COVID-19 correctly identified by participants were fever (97.6%), dry cough (92.4%), dyspnoea (82%) and fatigue (74.9%). More than 56.6% of the participants were afraid of being affected by COVID-19. Almost all participants reported that they avoid crowded places frequently. About 93.4% of the participants declared frequently wearing face mask when leaving home, and 85.5% maintained social distancing frequently. However, only 47.4% reported that they frequently washed their hands. About 51% stated that coronavirus outbreak has considerably changed their daily routines. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Sensitization and education campaigns are needed to improve their preventative practices, such as hand hygiene and wearing face mask. In addition, it may be of importance to incorporate competences into curricula to improve knowledge, attitudes and practices of future health professionals and to prepare them for emergencies and outbreaks.