Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted unprecedented challenges globally, impacting lives, economies, and healthcare systems. Understanding public perceptions and behaviours towards the pandemic is crucial for effective response efforts. This study aims to investigate risk perceptions, preventive behaviours and knowledge levels among the urban population of Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, India. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2021, involving 609 adult participants residing in urban areas of Coimbatore district. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic information, risk perceptions, knowledge levels, trust in authorities, and adherence to protective behaviours. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, employing descriptive and multivariate techniques. Results: The majority of participants were female (64.9%) with varying levels of education and occupation. While 7% reported being infected with COVID-19, 81.1% believed their relatives were at risk. Health workers, media, and radio were primary information sources. Despite awareness, willingness to comply with public restrictions varied, and vaccine hesitancy was observed. Financial impacts and lifestyle changes were prevalent among participants. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into COVID-19 awareness, perception, and behaviour among urban residents of Coimbatore district. Findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address misconceptions, enhance compliance with preventive measures, and mitigate socio-economic impacts. By leveraging these insights, policymakers can formulate evidence-based strategies to strengthen public health responses and to promote sustained efforts to alleviate current and future infectious disease threats.

Description

The COVID-19 epidemic has caused previously unheard-of difficulties that are upending people's lives, economy, and healthcare systems throughout. [1] Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals' perceptions of risk play a pivotal role in shaping their behaviours and responses to the crisis. [2] The degree to which individuals perceive themselves to be at risk influences their adherence to recommended preventive measures and their willingness to comply with public health guidelines. [3] Risk perception is a central characteristic of many health-behaviour theories. According to the Protection Motivation Theory, Protection motivation is a consequence of risk or threat assessment and coping appraisal. Threat assessment consists of estimating the hazard of contracting a disease (perceived vulnerability or susceptibility) and estimating the seriousness of a disorder or sickness (perceived severity). [4] People's behaviours and decision-making processes are significantly influenced by their level of understanding about COVID-19 and the preventive measures that are linked with it, in addition to their perception of risk. [5] It takes accurate and timely information distribution to enable people to take preventative action to safeguard their communities and themselves. As a result, this study aims to evaluate public awareness in the Metropolitan Coimbatore district, highlighting areas of disinformation and knowledge gaps that could obstruct successful pandemic control initiatives. [6] Another important aspect impacting people's reactions to the COVID-19 epidemic is trust in Governmental agencies, medical authority, and information sources. [7] In times of disaster, trust is essential for efficient communication, teamwork, and collective action. Pandemic response attempts have become more difficult, though, as a result of the spread of false information and the politicization of public health initiatives. [8] Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the nuances of risk perception among the urban populace of Coimbatore district, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of the cognitive and emotional processes underpinning individuals' appraisal of risk in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Wearing masks, washing hands frequently, and following social distance rules are examples of protective behaviours that serve as first lines of defence against the spread of COVID-19. [9] However, a variety of factors, such as risk perception, knowledge levels, and faith in authority, determine the levels of engagement among people in these actions. [10] As a result, the goal of this study is to evaluate the adoption of protective behaviours among the urban population in the Coimbatore district, identifying the factors that encourage and hinder behavioural compliance and providing guidance for focused interventions that advance public health and safety. By investigating risk perceptions, knowledge, trust, and protective behaviours adopted by the public in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic within the urban Coimbatore district, this crosssectional study seeks to close a significant gap in the body of current work. This study aims to provide evidence-based solutions for improving community resilience, pandemic preparedness, and public health protection against current and emerging infectious disease threats by clarifying these intricate interactions. [11]