Bracketing People’sInformation, perceptions and beliefs about Covid-19 and its transmission with their behavior in Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Corona virus is now declared as an international epidemic disease by international agencies like Public Health
Emergency of International Concern and WHO. It is a fatal viral disease which affects respiratory system of the patients
and spreads through coughing and sneezing droplets of the infected person. it was investigated, what people perceived
and believed about Covid-19 based on their awareness? What were preventive strategies undertaken by family and by
government? Could awareness and beliefs be bracketed with their behavior?
Twenty semi structured interviews were conducted. Five participants from each focused city were accessed. Common
topics were explored among all the participants to determine distinct perspectives and to identify areas of agreement and
disagreement among them. To direct the discussion a semi structured guide was developed. Three basic aspects were
discussed as perceptions/beliefs of Corona, awareness and knowledge of the Pandemic, and Behaviors/practices. This
study establishes a solid ground for future actions to prevent the future society from pandemics like corona.