To Assess the Perception, Attitude, and Practice Related to Mucormycosis during COVID‑19 Era: A Community‑based Cross‑Sectional Survey Using Online Platform among the Population of Gujarat, India

Abstract

Background: Recently, mucormycosis cases were increasingly reported in people with coronavirus disease‑2019 (COVID‑19), particularly from India. With the subsequent waves of COVID 19 in India, mucormycosis cases may rise again. Besides, people’s perception, attitude, and practice toward mucormycosis can be explored with the web‑based survey so its outcome can be used in spreading awareness among the general population. Aim and Objectives: The study’s aim and objective were to assess the perception, attitude, and practice related to mucormycosis in the COVID‑19 era and the associated sociodemographic factors among the general population of Gujarat. Materials and Methods: A cross‑sectional community‑based study was carried out for 2 months (June 21–July 21) using semistructured questionnaire in the local language. The form was circulated through WhatsApp application. The principle of the snowball technique was used for data collection. Information related to sociodemographic profile, followed by questions on perception, attitude, and practice related to mucormycosis was collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 998 responses for sociodemographic variables were obtained for the study. Seven hundred and eighty‑six participants were part of the study for the assessment of perception, attitude, and practice of mucormycosis. A total of 61.45%, 61.83%, and 63.99% of participants had good perception, attitude, and practice, respectively. Binary logistic regression revealed that education and relation with health‑care workers for perception, sex, and place of residence for attitude and occupation for practice were independent determinants. Conclusion: Good perception, attitude, and practice toward mucormycosis among respondents show that good efforts have been done toward Information, Education, and Communication by health authorities and mass media. Still, there is a need for more collaborative actions in spreading awareness toward the remaining population.