Abstract
Background The problem statement identified in this research concerned the knowledge, awareness and attitudes of undergraduate chiropractic students at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa, regarding the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2, or SARS-Cov-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. Aim The primary aim of this study was to determine how knowledgeable the undergraduate chiropractic students were regarding COVID-19, the study also looked at their awareness regarding the virus, and what their attitudes towards the virus were. Research methodology The study employed a cross-sectional, quantitative, exploratory study with the use of a questionnaire. Undergraduate chiropractic students were recruited to complete the study. The sample consisted of 100 undergraduate chiropractic students that participated in the study. A link to the survey including the information letter and consent form was sent to the class groups of each year via the class representatives. The study was conducted through Google forms as an online survey that used a questionnaire to collect the data. If the students were interested in taking part in the survey, they were instructed to click the link provided which then directed them to the Google forms page where they were then able to complete the questionnaire anonymously. The data collected was analysed by the researcher with the help of Statkon from the University of Johannesburg. Results and discussion The students were found to be highly knowledgeable of COVID-19. Every student had heard about COVID-19 by the time the study was conducted, they were made aware through many different platforms including telecommunication, social media, from medical professionals and family and friends. The students were knowledgeable about the signs of COVID-19 and how the virus is transmitted. The economic status with regards to ease of access and WIFI had no marked effect on the students’ knowledge or awareness of the virus. The attitudes of these groups towards the virus were also similar, the majority of the students agreed with or were neutral to the restrictions that were put in place during the different levels of lockdown. Many of the students were vii optimistic but fearful of the virus, many indicated they were frustrated and anxious towards the virus, these feelings were indicated similarly by both groups of students. Conclusion and recommendations In conclusion, there were no significant statistical differences with regards to different groups such as juniors versus seniors, and below average and average students versus above average and average groups of students with regards to ease of access to technology when looking at whether or not this affected the students’ knowledge and attitudes towards the virus itself. The groups had a similar level of knowledge overall regarding COVID-19. The responses between the different groups were similar throughout the survey when looking at the results from the survey. Further research is necessary to determine if other groups of students have similar levels of knowledge, awareness and attitudes to the virus with the inclusion of the latest research on COVID-19.
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)