Knowledge of COVID-19 and Willingness to Participate in Medical Response to It among Clinical-Level Medical Students in a Nigerian University

Aims: To determine medical students’ knowledge of COVID-19 pandemic and their willingness to participate in medical response to it and the associated factors.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study involving use of online self-administered questionnaire developed by the author was administered to clinical level medical students.

Place and duration of study: Enugu State University College of Medicine from 16th September 2020 to 27th November 2020.

Methodology: There were 177 participants in this study comprised of 79 males and 89 females with 21, 24, 110, and 22 at 300 level, 400 level, 500 level and 600 level of study respectively. The questionnaire was sent to the representative of each class after discussions with them about the research work. They then transmitted the questionnaire to their class WhatsApp platform with an accompanying request for the completion of the questionnaire.

Result: Most participants (145; 81.9%) have good knowledge level of the virus and pandemic. Age (p<.05) and year of study (p=<.05) significantly affect knowledge level. Most students, 113(63.8%) were willing to participate in the response to the pandemic; the most avowed reasons were to gain skill as future members of the health team, 100(88.5%) and as a sense of duty if called upon by government 69(61.1%). Main reason for unwillingness was fear of contracting the infection (20; 90.9%) coupled with lack of PPE (16; 72.7%). Knowledge level about the pandemic did not significantly affect willingness to participate in the response to it. Most respondents were more willing to participate in non-PPE-requiring tasks 103(91.2%) than in others.

Conclusion: Medical students in our center are knowledgeable regarding COVID-19 pandemic and are willing to participate in response to COVID-19 pandemic especially if suitable environment is provided.