Vol. 4, Issue 1, Part A (2022)

This study aimed to assess the levels of Knowledge, Attitude and Prevalence of COVID-19 symptoms among students of Niger Delta University in Bayelsa State of Nigeria. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Data was collected using convenience sampling among 350 participants drawn from the faculties of Pharmacy [75], Nursing [80], Management science [150] and Arts [45]. Data was collected with well-structure questionnaires that addressed the objectives of the study. All analyses were performed using SPSS version 23. Participation in this survey was anonymous, consensual and voluntary with informed consent given by all prospective respondents. Most respondents were within the age 18-25 years (63%); more males (55%); of the IJAW ethnic group (55%). All respondents had heard of Covid-19; 99% opined that Covid 19 is more prevalent in old individual; only 9% agreed that Covid-19 has a viral origin. Respondents identified the following as symptoms of Covid 19: Fever (100%), Cough (85%). Sore-throat (67%), Headache (43%). All respondents agreed that Covid-19 can be transmitted through touching the face, eyes, mouth; through contact with infected surfaces and through contact with individuals suspected to be infected. The majority of the respondents (85%) had a positive attitude towards Covid-19; all respondents opined that early detection of Covid-19 can improve treatment and outcome; that Covid-19 can be avoided by proper precautions (95%); if there is an available vaccine for the disease, it should be used (91%) and that health education can help prevent Covid-19 (71%). During the Peak, all respondents reportedly experienced unusual intense fatigue, muscle pain or stiffness; other experienced symptoms included shortness of breath (85%), loss of taste (84%), a runny nose or nasal congestion of unknown cause (77%), sudden loss of smell (77%), Diarrhea (77%), unusual headache (70%), sore throat (69%), fever (60%), flu-like chills (57%) and cough (41%) Overall, participants demonstrated a good knowledge of Covid-19 and most of the participants exhibited good attitudes towards Covid-19. The study was able to highlight gaps in specific aspects of knowledge and attitude of the students towards Covid-19 that should be focused on in future awareness and educational campaigns.