COVID-19: Determining the perception, anxiety, and behavior change during a pandemic outbreak in Bangladesh.

Abstract Background: With the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak worldwide, many people were advised to maintain specific precautionary measures for not catching the disease. The objectives of this study were to assess the perception, anxiety and behavior change of a population in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: A total of 6400 individuals comprised the population of this study. Subjects were respondents to an online questionnaire that was administered through social media. The questionnaire included items on personal information; nine items about participants' recent behaviors’, 42 items were used to assess how people perceived coronavirus outbreaks. Six out of the 42 items assessed whether participants believed certain actions can reduce their risk of catching corona virus. Anxiety was assessed using a six-item version of the list of valid state-specific concerns [The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)] scale. Data were collected and analyzed by regression analyses on a SPSS program. Results: 60% of participants (n= 3840) reported performing change any avoidance behavior (social event or crowd place, mass transport, go to shop). 64% (n=4096) had carried out any change of any recommended behavior (using mask and tissue, disinfecting used things, washing hands, maintaining social distance, maintaining isolation). 0.3% (n=1920) scored 18 or more on the anxiety scale, suggesting high anxiety. The strongest predictor of behavior change (recommended and avoidance) was "having a chronic illness’’. Participants who had carried out one or more recommended behaviors’ had significantly higher levels of "trust in government” odds ratio: 2.33, 95% CI: 2.07-2.61. Similarly, participants who had carried out one or more avoidance behaviors also had significantly higher levels of "trust in government" (1.90, 1.72-2.10). Conclusion: If the government and health care workers become aware of such findings, measures and policies can be taken to alleviate the resultant sufferings.