COVID-19 apprehension in the post pandemic era

Background: A novel coronavirus was identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019. The pandemic brought all people closer to internet to access information about the disease and its prevention. However, this intention of gaining knowledge is a spinal reaction to an adverse situation and once that has passed, the same knowledge and practices decline. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the apprehension regarding COVID-19 along with its demographic correlates in the post-pandemic era. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in district Ghaziabad using a pre-designed, pre-tested and semi-structured questionnaire regarding the awareness and knowledge levels of COVID-19. Regression analysis was performed to determine the factors significantly associated with the knowledge of the study participants. Results: In this study, 277 (69.25%) were males and 123(30.75%) were females. The mean knowledge score was 25.09 ± 6.85 (range 4-41). Knowledge regarding various aspects of COVID-19 was better among the study participants with higher education levels. Conclusion: Even after the pandemic had passed, good knowledge levels were retained. Participants had a huge disparity in the individual levels of information. Overall higher levels of education, younger age group and nuclear family were associated with better knowledge regarding the disease.