Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of the Vietnamese as Key Factors in Controlling COVID-19

This study aimed to describe knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in controlling COVID-19 and some related factors among the Vietnamese population in 2020. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 1999 participants aged 18–59 years old, through an online questionnaire. The results showed that 92.2% of the participants had a high knowledge level regarding COVID-19 prevention measures, 68.6% had a positive attitude toward COVID-19 prevention measures, and 75.8% practiced all six measures for preventing the spread of the virus. Age, sex, marital status, knowledge, and fear were significantly associated with the practices aimed at COVID-19 prevention. Married people and participants with high levels of knowledge were more likely to practice all preventive measures. In contrast, young people, men, and those who fear COVID-19 were less likely to practice all preventative measures. Good KAP among Vietnamese people could be an important factor in helping authorities gain initial success in containing the coronavirus and COVID-19. In addition to continuously raising and maintaining the community's awareness, attitude, and practices in disease prevention, the introduction and strict implementation of sanctions and regulations were also important in ensuring good practices were implemented and sustained over time. Groups with lower KAP levels should be provided with more information and support to promote appropriate disease prevention practices. © 2020, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.