Assessment of degree of willingness to undergo covid test amongst the patients visiting SDM college of dental sciences & hospital, Dharwad
Introduction
Corona Virus Disease which is widely known as COVID-19 disease is the pandemic sickness that is currently spreading throughout the world. According to the International Committee of taxonomy of viruses, the actual name of the virus is “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona virus 2” that has presently infected over 19 million people and killed over 700,000 individuals all over the world.1, 2
Although the government worldwide is providing a free COVID-19 testing service for the public, there is a mixed opinion amongst the people to undergo the test. In the city of Manila in July 2020,3 it was observed that many of the individuals who underwent the test were not experiencing any symptoms4 and there were also another group of people who did experience symptoms but were unwilling to get themselves tested.5 Moreover, although India is said to have the second highest confirmed cases, there is a speculation of cases higher than the usual number and this discrepancy in the number of cases may be due to various reasons and one among them is the willingness to undergo a test for COVID 19. Considering this contradictory behavior exhibited by individuals with respect to undergoing COVID test, this study aimed to investigate the possible reasons why people may be willing or unwilling to undergo COVID-19 test irrespective of the presence or absence of its symptoms.
Materials and Methods
This study was conducted in SDM College of Dental Sciences & Hospital, Dharwad for a period of one month from 1st July 2020 till 1st August 2020 and the study participants included 332 patients visiting the outpatient department of the college in the age range between 18 -65 years. A pre-tested close ended questionnaire comprising of 15 questions were distributed to the patients with questions related to willingness of the participants to undergo COVID-19 test. The patient was asked to choose an option between strongly agree, agree and do not agree. The questions were designed6 to ascertain the degree of willingness of the subjects in undergoing a COVID-19 test irrespective of them experiencing its symptoms in relation to their motivations and aversions in doing so using a Likert scale. A Modified Kuppuswamy scale (2019)7 was used to evaluate the socioeconomic status of the individual family background.
Statistical analysis
The results were subjected to statistical analysis and frequencies of responses to all the questions were obtained by percentage wise distribution. A Pearson’s Chi Square value using an SPSS software was used to assess the differences in the gender, level of education and occupation7 of all the subjects. A statistically significant p-value was set as < 0.05.
Results
The results as shown in Table 1 suggested that all the 332 patients were aware about all the questions asked in the study and had attempted all the questions. Out of the 332 patients, 249 patients strongly agreed that there was no need to undergo a Covid-19 test when exposed to a covid positive patient inspite of taking the self-care measures and 238 patients strongly agreed that fever, running nose, sore throat, fatigue, body ache, nasal congestion, loss of smell and taste are all the symptoms of covid-19 disease. However, 141 subjects also strongly believed that the Indian weather, culture and spiritual practices could easily prevent or fight against covid-19 and there is no need to perform any test.
Although 140 subjects did strongly feel that the symptoms shown by covid-19 disease are merely symptoms of another illness which could be managed with routine home remedies, 177 of them revealed the self-responsibility to undergo the test if any symptoms did persist. Also majority of the participants were concerned about being cautious about the covid-19 pandemic and 222 of them did not agree with the views of the pandemic to be considered as a hype or a scam to make money.
For most of the subjects, not having a health policy, business and finances getting affected, catching an infection from the hospital or family members getting worried if tested covid positive was not a reason so as to avoid the covid test. Neither they considered it as a shame to be quarantined if tested positive or felt embarrassed infront of their relatives, neighbors, friends and family or considered covid-19 as a social stigma or had a problem on being admitted in government hospitals.
Infact majority of the participants felt that testing for covid-19 reassures that they are following adequate infection control practices and when a primary contact, it is always better to get a covid test done so as to attain peace of mind and be happy if tested negative, or stay quarantined and seek medical help if tested positive so as to prevent the spread of infection.
The descriptive statistics for Pearson’s Chi Square value for the frequency of responses to gender distribution suggested that males were more convinced with the above responses when compared to the females (Table 2). However there was no difference observed with the frequency of responses to the questions in the level of education with low level and higher level education sectors (Table 3). With respect to the socioeconomic status (Table 4), there was no difference in the frequency of responses to questions, however it was the lower level occupation sector that were more confident with the Indian immunity, Indian weather, culture and spiritual practices to be protective against covid-19 disease. Although the results of this study were clinically significant, a statistically significant result was obtained with all the above parameters with respect to the questions related to the views of subjects to undergo covid test when exposed to covid positive patient inspite of all self-care measures taken and patients’ hesitation to visit hospital to undergo the test with the fear of catching an infection.
Table 1
Depicts the percent wise response of the responses from the participants
|
Willingness assessed by
|
Frequency of Responses N (%)
|
|
|
Strongly agree
|
Agree
|
Do not agree
|
|
There is no need to undergo a COVID-19 test when exposed to a positive patient if self-care measures are taken.
|
249
(66.4%)
|
97
(25.9%)
|
29
(7.7%)
|
|
Fever, running nose, sore throat, fatigue, body ache, nasal congestion, loss of taste and smell are the symptoms of COVID-19 disease.
|
238
(63.5%)
|
126
(33.6%)
|
11
(2.9%)
|
|
Confidence in the Indian Immunity, Indian weather and strong belief in the cultural & spiritual practices easily prevent or fight against covid-19 and there is no need to perform any test.
|
141
(37.6%)
|
151
(40.3%)
|
83
(22.1%)
|
|
It is a self-responsibility to undergo Covid-19 testing if any of the symptoms persist or if I am a primary contact with a covid positive patient.
|
177
(47.2%)
|
144
(38.4%)
|
54
(14.4%)
|
|
The symptoms shown by Covid-19 disease are merely symptoms of another illness and can be manageable with routine home remedies.
|
140
(37.3%)
|
122
(32.5%)
|
113
(30.1%)
|
|
Covid-19 disease is just a hype or a scam to make money.
|
29
(7.7%)
|
122
(32.5%)
|
222
(59.2%)
|
|
I don’t have a health policy & this is the reason I don’t want to get a covid test done.
|
26
(6.9%)
|
37
(9.9%)
|
312
(83.2%)
|
|
My business and finances will get affected if I am tested positive & so I avoid the covid test.
|
77
(20.5%)
|
42
(11.2%)
|
256
(68.3%)
|
|
I am hesitant to visit hospitals for a covid test as I am scared of catching an infection from the hospital.
|
122
(32.5%)
|
82
(21.9%)
|
171
(45.6%)
|
|
I avoid a covid test as my family members will be worried.
|
103
(27.5%)
|
65
(17.3%)
|
207
(55.2%)
|
|
Having detected as covid positive is embarrassing infront of family, friends, relatives and neighbours.
|
94
(25.1%)
|
63
(16.8%)
|
218
(58.1%)
|
|
I am not willing to undergo a covid test as I don’t want to get admitted in government hospitals.
|
20
(5.3%)
|
30
(8.0%)
|
325
(86.7%)
|
|
Getting infected with Covid-19 is a social stigma and a shame to be quarantined.
|
26
(6.9%)
|
37
(9.9%)
|
312
(83.2%)
|
|
If I am a primary contact or I have covid symptoms, it is always better to get a covid test done so as to attain peace of mind and be happy if tested negative; or stay quarantined and seek medical help if tested positive so as to prevent the spread of infection.
|
121
(32.3%)
|
197
(52.5%)
|
57
(15.2%)
|
|
Testing for Covid-19 reassures that infection preventive practices are keeping us safe and covid-free.
|
122
(32.5%)
|
216
(57.6%)
|
37
(9.9%)
|
Table 2
Depicts the frequency of responses in regard to the gender.
|
Willingness assessed by
|
Recorded
gender
|
Frequency of Responses N (%)
|
Pearson’s chi square value
|
p-value
|
|
|
|
Strongly agree
|
Agree
|
Do not agree
|
|
|
|
There is no need to undergo a COVID-19 test when exposed to a positive patient if self-care measures are taken.
|
Males
|
147
(69.0%)
|
53
(24.9%)
|
13
(6.1%)
|
1.719a
|
1.714
|
|
Females
|
86
(62.8%)
|
39
(28.5%)
|
12
(8.8%)
|
|
Fever, running nose, sore throat, fatigue, body ache, nasal congestion, loss of taste and smell are the symptoms of COVID-19 disease.
|
Males
|
141
(66.2%)
|
66
(31.0%)
|
6
(2.8%)
|
.439a
|
.353
|
|
Females
|
86
(62.8%)
|
47
(34.3%)
|
4
(2.9%)
|
|
Confidence in the Indian Immunity, Indian weather and strong belief in the cultural & spiritual
|
Males
|
89
(41.8%)
|
87
(40.8%)
|
37
(17.4%)
|
5.556a
|
4.624
|
|
practices easily prevent or fight against covid-19 and there is no need to perform any test.
|
Females
|
47
(34.3%)
|
52
(38.0%)
|
38
(27.7%)
|
|
It is a self-responsibility to undergo Covid-19 testing
|
Males
|
102
(47.9%)
|
77
(36.2%)
|
34
(16.0%)
|
1.673a
|
.014
|
|
if any of the symptoms persist or if I am a primary contact with a covid positive patient.
|
Females
|
62
(45.3%)
|
58
(42.3%)
|
17
(12.4%)
|
|
The symptoms shown by Covid-19 disease are merely symptoms of another illness and can be manageable with routine home remedies.
|
Males
|
87
(40.8%)
|
61
(28.6%)
|
65
(30.5%)
|
4.581a
|
.341
|
|
Females
|
45
(32.8%)
|
54
(39.4%)
|
38
(27.7%)
|
|
I don’t have a health policy & this is the reason I don’t want to get a covid test done.
|
Males
|
14
(6.6%)
|
72
(33.8%)
|
127
(59.6%)
|
.223a
|
.221
|
|
Females
|
8
(5.8%)
|
44
(32.1%)
|
85
(62.0%)
|
|
I don’t have a health policy & this is the reason I don’t want to get a covid test done.
|
Males
|
11
5.2%
|
18
8.5%
|
184
86.4%
|
2.209a
|
2.190
|
|
Females
|
12
(8.8%)
|
14
(10.2%)
|
111
(81.0%)
|
|
My business and finances will get affected if I am tested positive & so I avoid the covid test.
|
Males
|
51
(23.9%)
|
17
(8.0%)
|
145
(68.1%)
|
6.634a
|
.885
|
|
Females
|
22
(16.1%)
|
21
(15.3%)
|
94
(68.6%)
|
|
I am hesitant to visit hospitals for a covid test as I am scared of catching an infection from the hospital.
|
Males
|
70
(32.9%)
|
48
(22.5%)
|
95
(44.6%)
|
.436a
|
.025
|
|
Females
|
48
(35.0%)
|
27
(19.7%)
|
62
(45.3%)
|
|
I avoid a covid test as my family members will be worried.
|
Males
|
57
(26.8%)
|
35
(16.4%)
|
121
(56.8%)
|
.727a
|
.724
|
|
Females
|
42
(30.7%)
|
23
(16.8%)
|
72
(52.6%)
|
|
Having detected as covid positive is embarrassing in front of family, friends, relatives and neighbours.
|
Males
|
54
(25.4%)
|
38
(17.8%)
|
121
(56.8%)
|
.192a
|
.022
|
|
Females
|
35
(25.5%)
|
22
(16.1%)
|
80
(58.4%)
|
|
I am not willing to undergo a covid test as I don’t want to get admitted in government hospitals.
|
Males
|
11
(5.2%)
|
17
(8.0%)
|
185
(86.9%)
|
.066a
|
.015
|
|
Females
|
7
(5.1%)
|
12
(8.8%)
|
118
(86.1%)
|
|
Getting infected with Covid-19 is a social stigma and a shame to be quarantined.
|
Males
|
14
(6.6%)
|
15
(7.0%)
|
184
(86.4%)
|
4.581a
|
.436
|
|
Females
|
7
(5.1%)
|
19
(13.9%
|
111
(81.0%)
|
|
If I am a primary contact or I have covid symptoms, it is always better to get a covid test done so as to attain peace of mind and be happy
|
Males
|
69
(32.4%)
|
117
(54.9%)
|
27
(12.7%)
|
2.732a
|
.249
|
|
if tested negative; or stay quarantined and seek medical help if tested positive so as to prevent the spread of infection.
|
Females
|
47
(34.3%)
|
65
(47.4%)
|
25
(18.2%)
|
|
Testing for Covid-19 reassures that infection
|
Males
|
69
(32.4%)
|
126
(59.2%)
|
18
(8.5%)
|
1.594a
|
.273
|
|
preventive practices are keeping us safe and covid-free.
|
Females
|
45
(32.8%)
|
75
(54.7%)
|
17
(12.4%)
|
Table 3
Depicts the frequency of responses in regard to educational status
|
Willingness assessed by
|
Recorded qualification
|
Frequency of Responses N (%)
|
Pearson’s chi square value
|
p-value
|
|
|
|
Strongly agree
|
Agree
|
Do not agree
|
|
|
|
There is no need to undergo a COVID-19 test when exposed to a positive patient if self-care measures are taken.
|
Lower level 00
education
|
125
(67.6%)
|
45
(24.3%)
|
15
(8.1%)
|
1.054a
|
.001
|
|
Higher level
education
|
106
(65.4%)
|
46
(28.4%)
|
10
(6.2%)
|
|
Fever, running nose, sore throat, fatigue, body ache, nasal congestion, loss of taste and smell are the symptoms of COVID-19 disease.
|
Lower level
education
|
120
(64.9%)
|
57
(30.8%)
|
8
(4.3%)
|
3.125a
|
.271
|
|
Higher level
education
|
105
(64.8%)
|
55
(34.0%)
|
2
(1.2%)
|
|
Confidence in the Indian Immunity, Indian weather and strong belief in the cultural & spiritual practices easily prevent or fight against covid-19 and there is no need to perform any test.
|
Lower level
education
|
80
(43.2%)
|
65
(35.1%)
|
40
(21.6%)
|
4.610a
|
1.301
|
|
Higher level
education
|
54
(33.3%)
|
74
(45.7%)
|
34
(21.0%)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
It is a self-responsibility to undergo Covid-19 testing if any of the symptoms persist or if I am a primary contact with a covid positive patient.
|
Lower level
education
|
84(45.4%)
|
64
(34.6%)
|
37
(20.0%)
|
10.627a
|
3.681
|
|
Higher level
education
|
78
(48.1%)
|
71
(43.8%)
|
13
(8.0%)
|
|
The symptoms shown by Covid-19 disease are merely symptoms of another illness and can be manageable with routine home remedies.
|
Lower level
education
|
79
(42.7%)
|
55
(29.7%)
|
51
(27.6%)
|
5.245a
|
3.481
|
|
Higher level
education
|
50(30.9%)
|
60
(37.0%)
|
52
(32.1%)
|
|
Covid-19 disease is just a hype or a scam to make money.
|
Lower level
education
|
14
(7.6%)
|
68
(36.8%)
|
103
(55.7%)
|
4.496a
|
4.263
|
|
Higher level
education
|
8
(4.9%)
|
46
(28.4%)
|
108
(66.7%)
|
|
I don’t have a health policy & this is the reason I don’t want to get a covid test done.
|
Lower level
education
|
16
(8.6%)
|
12
(6.5%)
|
157
(84.9%)
|
5.105a
|
.329
|
|
Higher level
education
|
7
(4.3%)
|
19
(11.7%)
|
136
(84.0%)
|
|
My business and finances will get affected if I am tested positive & so I avoid the covid test.
|
Lower level
education
|
47
(25.4%)
|
16
(8.6%)
|
122
(65.9%)
|
6.380a
|
2.922
|
|
Higher level
education
|
25
(15.4%)
|
22
(13.6%)
|
115
(71.0%)
|
|
I am hesitant to visit hospitals for a covid test as I am scared of catching an infection from the hospital.
|
Lower level
education
|
64
(34.6%)
|
39
(21.1%)
|
82
(44.3%)
|
.062a
|
.044
|
|
Higher level
education
|
54
(33.3%)
|
35
(21.6%)
|
73
(45.1%)
|
|
I avoid a covid test as my family members will be worried.
|
Lower level
education
|
57
(30.8%)
|
32
(17.3%)
|
96
(51.9%)
|
1.396a
|
1.368
|
|
Higher level
education
|
42
(25.9%)
|
26
(16.0%)
|
94
58.0%
|
|
Having detected as covid positive is embarrassing in front of family, friends, relatives and neighbours.
|
Lower level
education
|
51
(27.6%)
|
30
(16.2%)
|
104
(56.2%)
|
.883a
|
.414
|
|
Higher level
education
|
38
(23.5%)
|
30
18.5%
|
94
58.0%
|
|
I am not willing to undergo a covid test as I don’t want to get admitted in government hospitals.
|
Lower level
education
|
8
(4.3%)
|
11
(5.9%)
|
166
(89.7%)
|
3.817a
|
2.642
|
|
Higher level
education
|
10
(6.2%)
|
18(11.1%)
|
134
(82.7%)
|
|
Getting infected with Covid-19 is a social stigma and a shame to be quarantined.
|
Lower level
education
|
11
(5.9%)
|
18(9.7%)
|
156
(84.3%)
|
.011a
|
.011
|
|
Higher level
education
|
10
(6.2%)
|
16
(9.9%)
|
136
(84.0%)
|
|
If I am a primary contact or I have covid symptoms, it is always better to get a covid test done so as to attain peace of mind and be
|
Lower level
education
|
53
(28.6%)
|
101
54.6%
|
31
(16.8%)
|
4.006a
|
3.817
|
|
Higher level
education
|
62
(38.3%)
|
80
(49.4%)
|
20
(12.3%)
|
|
happy if tested negative; or stay quarantined and seek medical help if tested positive so as to prevent the spread of infection.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Testing for Covid-19 reassures that
infection preventive practices are
keeping us safe and covid-free.
|
Lower level
education
|
49
(26.5%)
|
114
(61.6%)
|
22
(11.9%)
|
7.360a
|
7.097
|
|
Higher level
education
|
64
(39.5%)
|
86
(53.1%)
|
12
(7.4%)
|
Table 4
Depicts the frequencies ofresponses in regard to the socioeconomic status
|
Willingness assessed by
|
Recorded occupation
|
Frequency of Responses N (%)
|
Pearson’s chi square value
|
p-value
|
|
|
|
Strongly agree
|
Agree
|
Do not agree
|
|
|
|
There is no need to undergo a COVID-19 test when exposed to a positive patient if self-care measures are taken.
|
Lower level
occupation
|
161
(68.2%)
|
60
(25.4%)
|
15
(6.4%)
|
.463a
|
.424
|
|
Higher level
occupation
|
71
(64.5%)
|
31
(28.2%)
|
8
(7.3%)
|
|
Fever, running nose, sore throat, fatigue, body ache, nasal congestion, loss of taste and smell are the symptoms of COVID-19 disease.
|
Lower level
occupation
|
159
(67.4%)
|
68
(28.8%)
|
9
(3.8%)
|
7.145a
|
.184
|
|
Higher level
occupation
|
67
(60.9%)
|
43
(39.1%)
|
0
(.0%)
|
|
Confidence in the Indian Immunity, Indian weather and strong belief in the cultural & spiritual
|
Lower level
occupation
|
101
(42.8%)
|
88
(37.3%)
|
47
(19.9%)
|
5.179a
|
3.978
|
|
fight against covid-19 and there is no need to perform any test.
practices easily prevent or
|
Higher level
occupation
|
33
(30.0%)
|
50
(45.5%)
|
27
(24.5%)
|
|
It is a self-responsibility to undergo Covid-19 testing if any of the symptoms persist or
|
Lower level
occupation
|
109
(46.2%)
|
84
(35.6%)
|
43
(18.2%)
|
10.652a
|
3.644
|
|
if I am a primary contact with a covid positive patient.
|
Higher level
occupation
|
54
(49.1%)
|
50
(45.5%)
|
6
(5.5%)
|
|
The symptoms shown by Covid-19 disease are merely symptoms of another
|
Lower level
occupation
|
103
(43.6%)
|
71
(30.1%)
|
62
(26.3%)
|
9.663a
|
8.382
|
|
llness and can be manageable with routine home remedies.
|
Higher level
occupation
|
29
(26.4%)
|
41
(37.3%)
|
40
(36.4%)
|
|
Covid-19 disease is just a hype or a scam to make money.
|
Lower level
occupation
|
15
(6.4%)
|
91
(38.6%)
|
130
(55.1%)
|
10.275a
|
6.967
|
|
Higher level
occupation
|
6
(5.5%)
|
24
(21.8%)
|
80
(72.7%)
|
|
I don’t have a health policy & this is the reason I don’t want to get a covid test done.
|
Lower level
occupation
|
17
(7.2%)
|
24
(10.2%)
|
195
(82.6%)
|
1.218a
|
.995
|
|
Higher level
occupation
|
6
(5.5%)
|
8
(7.3%)
|
96
(87.3%)
|
|
My business and finances will get affected if I am tested positive & so I avoid the covid test.
|
Lower level
occupation
|
48
(20.3%)
|
18
(7.6%)
|
170
(72.0%)
|
7.962a
|
1.785
|
|
Higher level
occupation
|
24
(21.8%)
|
19
(17.3%)
|
67
(60.9%)
|
|
I am hesitant to visit hospitals for a covid test as I am scared of catching an infection from the hospital.
|
Lower level
occupation
|
81
(34.3%)
|
49
(20.8%)
|
106
(44.9%)
|
.194a
|
.015
|
|
Higher level
occupation
|
36
(32.7%)
|
25
(22.7%)
|
49
(44.5%)
|
|
I avoid a covid test as my family members will be worried.
|
Lower level
occupation
|
69
(29.2%)
|
38
(16.1%)
|
129
(54.7%)
|
.421a
|
.132
|
|
Higher level
occupation
|
29
(26.4%)
|
20
(18.2%)
|
61
(55.5%)
|
|
Having detected as covid positive is embarrassing in front of family, friends, relatives and neighbours.
|
Lower level
occupation
|
58
(24.6%)
|
43
(18.2%)
|
135
(57.2%)
|
.719a
|
.203
|
|
Higher level
occupation
|
31
(28.2%)
|
17
(15.5%)
|
62
(56.4%)
|
|
I am not willing to undergo a covid test as I don’t want to get admitted in government hospitals.
|
Lower level
occupation
|
9
(3.8%)
|
13
(5.5%)
|
214
(90.7%)
|
10.489a
|
7.705
|
|
Higher level
occupation
|
8
(7.3%)
|
16
(14.5%)
|
86
(78.2%)
|
|
Getting infected with Covid-19 is a social stigma and a shame to be quarantined.
|
Lower level
occupation
|
13
(5.5%)
|
18
(7.6%)
|
205
(86.9%)
|
4.712a
|
2.789
|
|
Higher level
occupation
|
8
(7.3%)
|
16
(14.5%)
|
86
(78.2%)
|
|
If I am a primary contact or I have covid symptoms, it is always better to get a covid test done so as to attain peace of mind and be happy if tested negative;
|
Lower level
occupation
|
73
(30.9%)
|
131
(55.5%)
|
32
(13.6%)
|
3.622a
|
.210
|
|
or stay quarantined and seek medical help if tested positive so as to prevent the spread of infection.
|
Higher level
occupation
|
42
(38.2%)
|
49
(44.5%)
|
19
(17.3%)
|
|
Testing for Covid-19 reassures that
infection preventive practices are
keeping us safe and covid-free.
|
Lower level
occupation
|
72
(30.5%)
|
142
(60.2%)
|
22
(9.3%)
|
2.153a
|
.538
|
|
Higher level
occupation
|
41
(37.3%)
|
57
(51.8%)
|
12
(10.9%)
|
Discussion
The present study was conducted to assess the degree of willingness of the participants in undergoing a covid-19 test irrespective of them experiencing the symptoms in relation to their possible motivations and / or aversions in doing so using the Likert scale. The subjects included in the study were total of 332 patients between 18-65 years of age visiting the outpatient department of SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad. The results showed that majority of the participants were aware about the signs and symptoms of covid-19 disease and their responsibilities in undergoing covid test if experiencing any symptoms. However, few of the subjects felt that there was no need to undergo covid test when exposed to a positive patient if proper self-care measures are taken. This could be attributed to the fact that patients may be strictly believing and implementing all the infection control measures as suggested by the Government on a current update.8 A few subjects also felt that symptoms of covid-19 disease were merely symptoms of another illness and can be manageable with routine home remedies and there was no need to undergo the covid test. This could be attributed to most of the symptoms of covid-19 experienced by majority of the population mimicking to common cold which is easily cured with home remedies. Moreover study by Nugraha et al (2020) did suggest that traditional herbal medicine can be used as a home remedy as a complimentary treatment in covid-19 disease.9
Majority of the participants in the present study neither considered being tested positive for covid-19 as a shame or as a social stigma to be quarantined, nor did they avoid the test considering their business and finances, thus suggesting their awareness and positive attitude towards undergoing the test whenever necessary in the interest of their heath as well as their surroundings. Although equal number of the participants expressed their reason to avoid getting tested for covid-19 only due to their concern about catching an infection from the hospital. This is in compatible with the results of the studies conducted by Siegler et al (2020),10 Sullivan PS (2020)11 and Zoch-Lesniak B (2020)12 which suggested that there was a strong preference for home specimen collection procedures over drive through or clinic-based testing.
Ultimately most of the subjects felt that it was always better to undergo a covid test when experiencing the symptoms, stay quarantined, seek medical help and prevent the spread of infection if tested positive, or feel happy and reassured that the infection preventive practices at the personal level were keeping them safe from covid if tested negative thus suggesting that participants of this study had an overall knowledge about covid-19 pandemic disease and were willing to undergo covid-19 test as an when needed. Although the results of this study were clinically significant, a statistically significant result was obtained with all the above parameters with respect to the questions related to the views of subjects to undergo covid test when exposed to covid positive patient if self-care measures are taken, and patients’ hesitation to visit hospital to undergo the test with the fear of catching an infection.
The results were statistically not significant with other questions and parameters irrespective of the gender, education and socio-economic status. This could be attributed to the limited amount of predictable knowledge and existing literature available regarding covid-19. In the present scenario, most of the knowledge and information obtained from social media and mass media are not definite and keep changing regularly making it difficult for the people to gain accurate information about covid-19, trust and implement the covid rules in their everyday life. Moreover a study with a larger sample size is needed to obtain definite results.
Summary & Conclusion
Majority of the study participants had a positive attitude towards covid test and were willing to undergo the test as and when needed thus suggesting that patients visiting outpatient department of SDMCDSH, Dharwad were aware about covid-19 pandemic and were willing to undergo a covid test so as to prevent the spread of infection.
Thus, Within the limitations of the study it can be concluded that the patients visiting SDM college of Dental Sciences & Hospital, Dharwad were aware about the deadly covid-19 pandemic disease and were willing to undergo a covid test as an when needed so as to prevent the further spread of infection
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to acknowledge Dr. Ravi Shiratti and Dr. Kriti Nikhil for statistical analysis and interpretation of the data.
Conflict of Interest
The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest in this paper.
