Knowledge, Attitude and Practice regarding COVID-19 Vaccination in a Tertiary Care Centre of Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is one of the worst pandemics witnessed across the globe. COVID-19 vaccination is one of the best available strategies to minimise the severity of the infection and reduce mortality rates. Active participation and involvement of the stakeholders in taking the COVID-19 vaccine are key aspects of the vaccination's success. Lack of knowledge, negative attitude, and willingness to vaccinate may pose a significant challenge for the health authorities to complete the vaccination drives.Aim: To assess the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) about COVID-19 vaccination among people of Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India.Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care centre of Tiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu, India, in November 2021. Overall, 478 respondents aged above 18 years were included in the survey using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was administered to assess the KAP regarding the COVID-19 vaccine among study subjects. The study used descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, and sentiment analysis.Results: Out of total sample, 99% of the study participants had taken the COVID-19 vaccine, 81% had taken the second dose, predominately 51% of the participants had taken the COVID-19 vaccine at a Government hospital, 74% of the participants mentioned that it was their responsibility to take COVID-19 vaccine. Regarding KAP, the knowledge score was 10 out of a total score of 14, the attitude score was 8 out of 10, and the total score of the COVID-19 related practice was 10 out of 10.Conclusion: The findings of the study indicate that the vaccination drive in the population will be highly effective since the vaccine acceptance among the stakeholders was good due to sound knowledge, positive attitude, and safe COVID-19 practice.