Exploration of Chinese Parental Knowledge Regarding COVID-19 Post Outbreaks

Background: During the critical COVID-19 outbreak in China, young children were less susceptible to COVID-19 infection and infected children became less ill. However, currently children’s COVID-19 case numbers are gradually increased in various countries, and many parents fear for their children’ safety after schools reopen.Research Purpose: The aim of this research was to investigate Chinese parents’ knowledge of pediatric COVID-19 in relation to protecting their children. Research Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Fujian and Jiangsu provinces in China from 25th. May. through 25th. June. 2020 using an on-line research questionnaire to investigate parents with children aged 6 to 16 years old. The questionnaire was designed to evaluate knowledge of transmission routes, parental preventive measures for children and awareness of COVID-19 symptoms of children. Results: Research samples included 1222 participants, comprising 1149 participants from Fujian province and 73 participants from Jiangsu province. The majority of participants had an educational attainment of junior high school (55.6%) and 53.3% were a farmer. Most reported middle-class household social-economic status. The vast majority (99.2%) of participants were aware of respiratory transmission of COVID-19. Although 98.3% of participants reported knowing how to properly wear and remove masks, 95.7% were unaware of good handwashing technique and 92.2% answered incorrectly regarding cough etiquette. The vast majority (97.9%) said that fever is the main symptom of pediatric COVID-19, but these participants seemed uncertain of other symptoms. Knowledge scores of participants significantly differed across parental role (mother/ father), educational attainment levels, and social-economic levels (P<0.005), with fathers, the better educated, and those of higher income showing higher levels of knowledge. Conclusion: Research results suggest an urgent need for parental education regarding COVID-19 in children, especially regarding handwashing techniques and cough etiquette; educational facilities and outreach to parents and schoolchildren are particular important.Funding Statement: This research has no foundation and no financial support. Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no competing interests and no disclosures. Ethics Approval Statement: The study was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of Putain University (approval number: 2020-33).