Perceptions regarding second wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic among Indian adults: A cross-sectional study

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/ajdm.0470

Keywords:

second wave, perceptions, coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination, coronavirus disease 2019 appropriate behavior, pandemic

Abstract

Background and aims: A massive surge in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases and deaths occurred in India during March–April 2021, and this was considered as second wave of the pandemic in the country. This study was conducted to find out the perceptions about second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic among Indian adults.

Methods: An online-survey-based cross-sectional study was conducted over 3 weeks from April 21, 2021

to May 11, 2021. Information regarding sociodemographic profile, perceptions about COVID-19 during second wave, perceptions and practices related to COVID-19 vaccination, COVID-19 appropriate behavior, and government’s response to the pandemic was collected. Descriptive analysis was performed.

Results: A total of 408 study participants were included. Mean age of the study participants was 29.2 ± 10.4 years. Around 92.6 percent (378) of respondents agreed that COVID-19 in 2021 is different from 2020. Perceived reasons for increased severity and cases were change in virus characteristics; social, religious, and political gatherings; and complacent behavior by people. Three-fourth (311, 76.2 percent) of the study participants agreed that vaccines have a positive role against COVID-19. Majority of the study participants (329, 80.6 percent) concurred that lockdown restrictions help in control of the pandemic. About 60.3 percent (246) of respondents had less trust on government post this pandemic compared to pre-COVID-19 times.

Conclusion: The public perception about reasons for second wave in India acknowledges both human and virus factors and highlights the importance of shared responsibility between citizens and government for controlling the pandemic.

Author Biographies

Priyanka Sharma, MD

Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, North DMC Medical College & Hindu Rao Hospital, Delhi, India

Anita Khokhar, MD

Director Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India

Shubham Mittal, MBBS

Junior Resident, Department of Cardiology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India

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Published

02/01/2024

How to Cite

Sharma, P., A. Khokhar, and S. Mittal. “Perceptions Regarding Second Wave of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic Among Indian Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study”. American Journal of Disaster Medicine, vol. 19, no. 1, Feb. 2024, pp. 15-24, doi:10.5055/ajdm.0470.

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Articles