COVID-19 preventive measures in Rohingya refugee camps: An assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice toward COVID-19

BackgroundAlthough many studies were conducted on COVID-19 knowledge, attitude, and practice among the general population in many countries, very little is known about refugees, particularly Rohingya refugees in Coxs Bazar. A vast array of Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) interventions were implemented in Coxs Bazar with the intent of reducing disease transmission by empowering the community to adopt public health measures. ObjectivesThe study aimed to evaluate the current state of knowledge, attitude, and practice among Rohingya refugees as a result of RCCE initiatives. Materials and MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 500 Rohingya individuals. Participants in the study were Rohingya refugees residing in five randomly selected camps where IOM health was operating. Using a structured questionnaire, skilled community health workers surveyed the Rohingya population. In addition to the survey on knowledge, attitude, and practice, the study gathered information on the perspectives and relevance of sociodemographic factors that influence KAP. ResultsThe study findings indicate that the mean scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were 9.93 (out of 14), 7.55 (out of 11), and 2.71 (out of 7) respectively. Association was found between knowledge and practice level and age group - elderly age group (>/= 61 years) had less level of knowledge (AOR 0.42, P value= 0.05) and the late mid age group (46 - 60 years) had better practice level (AOR 2.67, P value <0.001). A significant association was also found between good knowledge level and medium family size (5 - 6 members) (P value= 0.02). ConclusionsThe study reveals that the Coxs Bazar Rohingya refugee community has a low knowledge and attitude score about COVID-19 prevention measures. Especially the KAP scores were found significantly low in elderly population. Despite RCCE interventions, the practice level of these measures exhibited a considerably low score. Poor implementation of preventive measures must be identified and remedied, involving the community in future outbreaks of a similar nature.