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Asian Journal for Public Opinion Research - ISSN 2288-6168 (Online) Vol. 8 No.3 August 2020: 324-350
http://dx.doi.org/10.15206/ajpor.2020.8.3.324
324
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Toward the Coronavirus Disease
(COVID-19) Outbreak Among Selected Employed People in the National Capital Region, Philippines
Angelito P. Bautista Jr.1
Dianne Balibrea
Blue Chips Research and Consultancy Co.
Doris G. Bleza
Blue Chips Research and Consultancy Co. and Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Philippines
Abstract
COVID-19 has challenged the pandemic response capability of many countries. Many
governments around the world have imposed strict quarantine measures and border
control to slow the spread of the virus. In the Philippines, the longest community
quarantine has been imposed in the National Capital Region (NCR). However, the
effectiveness of such measures is dependent on the cooperation of the public. The
objective of this study was to gain an understanding of the knowledge, attitudes, and
practices (KAP) of selected employees in the NCR. An online survey was conducted
June 4-18, 2020, with 100 employed people living in the NCR. Frequencies and
percentages were computed to describe the respondents’ answers, and the Kruskal-
Wallis test was used to determine the differences in the respondents’ KAP levels
according to selected demographic characteristics. Of those surveyed, 92% have a
high knowledge of COVID-19. The respondents have a positive attitude toward the
need for health education and the seriousness of COVID-19, as well as stricter
measures against the pandemic, but are less positive in terms of how the government
1 All correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Angelito Bautista, Jr. at Blue Chips Research and Consultancy Co.,20 L.R. Yangco St., Brgy. Navotas East, Navotas City, Philippines or by e-mail at bluechipsconsultancy@gmail.com.
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is responding to the pandemic. They also follow strict measures that will prevent the
further spread of the virus. The results highlight the respondents’ favorability of
stricter government measures to control the spread of COVID-19, including the re-
imposition of an enhanced community quarantine in the NCR.
Keywords: knowledge, attitude, practice, COVID-19, survey, employees,
National Capital Region, Philippines
Coronavirus disease (commonly known as COVID-19 or formerly known as the novel-
coronavirus [2019-nCOV]) was first reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019
(Azlan et al, 2020).” Since then, it has spread to over 200 countries and was declared
a global controllable pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March
12, 2020 (WHO, 2020). Some of the common signs of COVID-19 include fever,
cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties (Abdi, 2020).”). As of June 9,
2020, more than 10 million positive COVID-19 cases have been recorded, with at least
502,000 deaths (John Hopkins University, 2020).
The first case of COVID-19 in the Philippines was recorded on January 30,
2020, while two more cases were confirmed in February 2020. Seven new patients
tested positive between March 6 and March 8, 2020, including the first cases of local
transmission. These cases were traced back to a mosque within a local shopping
center in San Juan City in the NCR. On March 7, 2020, Philippine health authorities
raised a Code Red alert after it confirmed the transmissions (ABS-CBN News, 2020).
A Code Red alert is a “preemptive call to ensure that the government and public and
private health care providers can prepare for a possible increase in suspected and
confirmed cases” (Department of Health, 2020). The Philippine government then
placed the entire country under a state of public health emergency because of the
COVID-19 threat (Official Gazette, 2020).
Several days later, the government decided to raise the COVID-19 Alert System to
Code Red sublevel 2 and imposed a Community Quarantine (CQ) in the entire NCR to
control the spread of the virus (Panelo, 2020). The CQ restricted many non-essential
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activities and movements outside the home similar to lockdowns implemented in China
and Italy.
However, by the second day of the CQ, the government decided to enforce a
15-day Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) measure in the entire Luzon, which
includes 38 provinces and the NCR, which was supposed to end on April 12 (Lopez,
2020). On April 7, the ECQ was extended in the entire Luzon until April 30 (Patag,
2020). On April 24, the government announced the extension of ECQ in the NCR,
Region 4A (composed of the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and
Quezon), Central Luzon (except Aurora), and other areas in Luzon that were deemed
high-risk for COVID-19 until May 15 (Lopez, 2020). Other provinces were placed in a
less strict community quarantine category.
From May 16-31, the NCR was placed in a modified ECQ until May 30 (together
with Laguna in CALABARZON and Cebu City in the Visayas), which allowed more
businesses to open following strict social distancing measures. The following month,
the NCR was placed in general community quarantine (GCQ), which further eased
movement restrictions.
As of June 1, 2020, the Philippines has recorded more than 18,000 cases
including 960 deaths and 3,979 recoveries (Tomacruz, 2020a). By June 15, 2020, the
number of confirmed cases surpassed 26,000, with 1,098 deaths, and 6,252 total
recoveries (Tomacruz, 2020b).
The employment sector is one of the area’s most severely affected by COVID-19.
More than two million Filipino workers were displaced due to the quarantine measures,
according to the country’s Department of Labor and Employment (CNN Philippines,
2020a). Approximately 1.4 million of these people were displaced due to temporary
closures of establishments, while more than 600,000 workers reported reduced income
due to modified working arrangements. The NCR, which is considered the epicenter of
the pandemic in the country, recorded the highest displacement with 687,634 affected
workers (Ramos, 2020). This is the reason why thousands of workers reported back to
their workplaces after the NCR transitioned to a more relaxed GCQ, despite the
continuing threat of COVID-19 (CNN Philippines, 2020b).
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The knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward COVID-19 play an
important role in determining a society’s readiness to receive and adapt to behavioral
change measures from the government (Azlan, 2020). Thus, the objective of this study
was to understand the KAP of COVID-19 among employed in the NCR, Philippines.
Several studies examining KAPs on COVID-19 have been conducted, but there is a
need to understand it from the perspectives of the employees in the NCR who have
been braving the threat of COVID-19 to meet the daily needs of their families.
Assessing this would be helpful to provide insights on the level of knowledge about
the virus among employed Filipinos in the NCR, and what government strategies or
policies are favorable to the members of the employment sector.
Methodology
Study Design
quantitative approach through an online survey was employed, which was
deemed most appropriate considering the restrictions imposed during the GCQ. This
gave easier access among target respondents, without sacrificing social distancing
measures. Data collection was performed online using Google Forms, and the
invitation to participate was posted and shared on social media.
The survey was conducted in the first week of the imposition of the GCQ in the
NCR, between June 4-18, 2020. Applying a systematic sampling technique was not
feasible during this period due to no available data on the actual number of employed
people in the NCR as of May 2020; so the researchers used non-probability sampling
to conduct the survey. People who are employed and who are residing or working
within the NCR and are above the age of 18 were eligible to participate in the online
survey. The researchers used different strategies to reach as many respondents as
possible. Facebook was primarily used to disseminate the survey online. This
platform was selected as it was the most visited social media site in the country
(Gonzales, 2019). Only 107 respondents took part in the survey. However, seven of
them were excluded as they were not employed when they answered the survey.
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Survey Instrument
The survey instrument used in the study was adapted from the questionnaire
developed by Erfani et al. (2020) on the knowledge, attitude, and practice toward the
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in Iran. survey respondents, including
gender, educational attainment, employment status, monthly income, and
employment sector; 2) knowledge about COVID-19; 3) attitude toward COVID-19;
and 4) practices related to COVID-19. The survey was conducted in the Filipino
language.
To measure the knowledge about COVID-19, 15 questions were adapted from
previous research. These included the respondents’ knowledge of the characteristics
of the disease, symptoms, and prevention of COVID-19. Three questions were
multiple responses: symptoms, transmission, and vulnerable sectors. In total, there
were 26 items used for the analysis (including separate items for the multiple
response questions). Correct answers were assigned 1 point, while incorrect/not
sure responses were assigned 0 points. The maximum total score ranged from 0-26.
The knowledge scores were categorized as low (scores 8 and below), moderate
(scores 9 to 17), or high (scores 18 and above).
To measure attitudes towards COVID-19, 13 items were adapted from
previous research, while seven questions were added by the researchers concerning
the government’s preparedness and the imposition of community quarantines.
Surveyed respondents were asked to evaluate their attitude towards the disease, and
the way the government handled the COVID-19 crisis. To measure practices, 10 items
were adapted from previous research, and an additional question was asked about
social distancing. Respondents were asked how frequently (all the time, most of the
time, some of the time, occasionally, or none of the time) they took several measures
to prevent contracting and spreading COVID-19. They were also asked about their
source of information about COVID-19, and how many times they left of their homes
in the past seven days to buy food or medicine, conduct financial transactions, or go
to work.
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The first part of the online survey contained the informed consent form. All
the respondents were duly informed before the collection of the data that they could
refuse to answer any question, withdraw from the survey at any point in time without
any harm, and that all data would remain confidential. The online survey form strictly
adhered to the provisions of the Data Privacy Act. Respondents who gave consent to
participate in the survey were asked to click the “submit” button and were directed
to the survey proper.
Statistical Approach
Frequencies and percentages were first calculated to describe the
respondents’ knowledge, attitudinal responses, and practices toward COVID-19. The
collected data were analyzed using the GNU PSPP statistical software. Frequencies
and percentages were computed, while Kruskal-Wallis was used to find out if there
are differences between groups for gender, educational attainment, employment
status, monthly income, and employment sector. The statistical significance level was
set at p<.05.
Results
Demographic Characteristics
One hundred respondents participated in the study. Of the total, 63% were
women, 57% were college graduates, 85% were regular/permanent employees, 28%
earned more than Php25,001 ($512US) monthly, and 84% were employed in the
private sector. Other demographic characteristics are detailed in Table 1.
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Table 1
Demographic Profile of the Respondents
Demographic Profile n %
Gender Female 63 63
Male 32 32
Transgender 1 1
Prefer not to say 4 4
Educational Attainment Vocational 1 1
Some College 32 32
College Graduate 57 57
Some Post-Graduate 6 6
Post-Graduate 4 4
Employment Status Regular/Permanent 85 85
Casual/Contractual 6 6
Part-time 3 3
Self-employed/Freelance 4 4
Job Order2* 1 1
Prefer not to say 1 1
Monthly Income Below Php5,000 (US$102) 1 1
Php5,001 - Php10,000 (US$102-205) 4 4
Php10,001 - Php15,000 (US$205-307) 8 8
Php15,001 - Php20,000 (US$307-410) 17 17
Php20,001- Php25,000 (US$410-512) 25 25
Over Php25,001 (US$512) 28 28
Prefer not to say 17 17
Employment Sector Private Sector 84 84
Government/Government-Owned and
Controlled Corporation (GOCC) 10 10
Non-Government Organization 4 4
No answer 2 2
2 Job order is a “piece work (pakyaw)” or intermittent or emergency jobs such as clearing of debris on the roads, canals, waterways, etc. after natural/man-made disasters/occurrences and other manual/trades and crafts services such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical and the like. These jobs are of short duration and for a specific piece of work.
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COVID-19 Knowledge
A total of 26 items were analyzed to measure the knowledge on COVID-19.
The average knowledge score for the respondents was 20.5 (SD = 2.14, range 13-25).
Based on the results of the survey, 92% of the respondents had high knowledge about
the disease, obtaining scores between 18 and 24. About 8% had moderate knowledge
of COVID-19 (scores 13 to 17).
Table 2
Summary of the Level Knowledge of the Respondents on COVID-19
Knowledge Level Score Range n % Mean SD
Low Knowledge 0-8 - -
20.52 2.14 Moderate Knowledge 9-17 8 8%
High Knowledge 18-26 92 92%
As shown in Table 3, most respondents knew that an infected person must be
incubated for 3 to 14 days (95%) and that the disease is more dangerous among
people aged 50 and above (89%). However, there was a noticeable confusion among
the respondents on how COVID-19 can be treated. About 65% of the respondents
believe there is no treatment for COVID-19, while 11% answered symptomatic
therapy. Around 9% said that antibiotics are a treatment for COVID-19. Although no
vaccine and treatment for COVID-19 are currently available, present treatment of the
disease is symptomatic (Cascella et al., 2020). WHO recommends that patients with
mild COVID-19 be provided with symptomatic treatment such as antipyretics for
fever (WHO, 2020).
In terms of symptoms of the disease, most of the respondents answered fever
(97%), cough (94%), and sore throat (96%). About 75% of the respondents answered
body pain, 66% said headache, and only 56% chose diarrhea.
In terms of transmission, 99% were able to identify physical contact such as
handshaking, hugging, and kissing as a transmission route, followed by coughing
(92%), and contact with infected surfaces (90%). However, 22% believed the
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consumption of contaminated dairy and meat was a transmission route. The results
of this survey are significantly important, as the selected employees were able to
appropriately identify possible transmission routes of COVID-19. In a survey
conducted by the International Care Ministries (2020) among low-income
households in the Philippines before the wider spread of the disease in the country,
only 73% of 2,090 respondents were able to identify indirect hand contact, while 81%
answered handshakes or hugs.
Table 3
Knowledge of the Respondents on COVID-19
Questions Correct (%) Incorrect
(%) Total
I have heard about COVID-19 100 (100%) - 100
COVID-19 is a contagious disease 98 (98%) 2 (2%) 100
Which of the following is the cause of COVID-19? 98 (98%) 2 (2%) 100
How long is the incubation period of the disease? 95 (95%) 5 (5%) 100
Which of the following is the treatment for COVID-19? 11 (11%) 89 (89%) 100
In which age group is the disease more dangerous? 89 (89%) 11 (11%)
Which of the following
are symptoms of COVID-
19? (Multiple response)
Fever 97 (97%) 3 (3%) 100
Cough 94 (94%) 6 (6%) 100
Sore Throat 96 (96%) 4 (4%) 100
Body Pain 75 (75%) 25 (25%) 100
Diarrhea 56 (56%) 44 (44%) 100
Headache 66 (66%) 34 (34%) 100
If I suspect that I have been infected with COVID-19, I will
take my temperature. 100 (100%) - 100
In suspecting infection with COVID-19, I should visit a
physician. 4 (4%) 96 (96%) 100
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Questions Correct (%) Incorrect
(%) Total
In suspecting infection with COVID-19, I will avoid
unnecessary daily activities. 99 (99%) 1 (1%) 100
To avoid contracting COVID-19, I avoid contact with
individuals suspected to be infected with COVID-19. 98 (98%) 2 (2%) 100
The prevalence of COVID-19 disease is increasing in the
Philippines. 100 (100%) - 100
Washing hands with water and soap can eliminate the cause
of the disease. 98 (98%) 2 (2%) 100
How can COVID-19 be
transmitted? (Multiple
responses)
Through cough 92 (92%) 8 (8%) 100
Through contact with infected
surfaces 90 (90%) 10 (10%) 100
Through the consumption of
contaminated dairy and meat 78 (78%) 22 (22%) 100
Through contact with infected
individuals (handshaking,
hugging, kissing)
99 (99%) 1 (1%) 100
Which of the following
statement/s is/are true?
(Multiple responses)
The disease is more dangerous
in pregnant women. 68 (68%) 32 (32%) 100
The disease is more dangerous
is old individuals. 90 (90%) 10 (10%) 100
The disease is more dangerous
in people with weakened
immune systems.
94 (94%) 6 (6%) 100
The disease is more dangerous
is people with cancer, diabetes,
and chronic respiratory
diseases.
86 (86%) 14 (14%) 100
The differences in the medians among different demographic characteristics
were analyzed using the Kruska-Wallis test (Table 4). Since the research utilized non-
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probability sampling, the non-parametric test was used. Results of the Kruska-Wallis
test showed that there are significant differences in the knowledge scores in terms of
the respondents’ educational attainment but not across other demographic
characteristics (Table 4).
Table 4
Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents and Their Knowledge Score on COVID-19 and Results of Kruskal-Wallis Test
Demographic Profile Mean SD Chi-
square
value
P-value
Gender Female 20.67 2.13
2.63 .452 Male 20.31 2.28
Transgender 18.00 -
Prefer not to say 20.50 1.29
Educational
Attainment
Vocational 16.00 -
10.69 .030*
Some College 20.91 2.13
College Graduate 20.63 1.91
Some Post-Graduate 20.33 1.03
Post-Graduate 17.25 2.22
Employment Status Regular/Permanent 20.61 2.00
3.73 .590
Casual/Contractual 21.00 1.79
Part-time 18.33 3.06
Self-
employed/Freelance 19.75 4.57
Job Order 19.00 -
Prefer not to say 21.00 -
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Demographic Profile Mean SD Chi-
square
value
P-value
Monthly Income Below Php5,000
(US$102) 15.00 -
7.11 .311
Php5,001 - Php10,000
(US$102-205) 20.75 .96
Php10,001 - Php15,000
(US$205-307) 20.25 1.58
Php15,001 - Php20,000
(US$307-410) 19.65 2.67
Php20,001- Php25,000
(US$410-512) 21.08 2.12
Over Php25,001
(US$512) 20.86 1.88
Prefer not to say 20.41 1.97
Employment Sector Government/Governm
ent Owned and
Controlled Corporation
(GOCC)
20.40 1.71
2.03 .566 Private Sector 20.60 2.11
Non-Government
Organization 18.75 3.86
No Answer 21.50 2.00
COVID-19 Attitudes
The respondents were asked 19 questions to assess their attitudes. The
questions were divided into two themes: the respondents’ attitude towards COVID-
19 as a disease, its prevention, and effects (9 questions); and their attitude on how
the government is handling the crisis (10 questions).
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For the first theme, the majority of the respondents agreed that COVID-19 is a
serious disease (98%), that health education can help prevent COVID-19 (95%), that
early detection of COVID-19 can improve treatment and outcome (94%), and that
COVID-19 is a curable disease (77%).
At the same time 67% believed that an available vaccine for the disease should
not be used if there are not yet enough studies (trials) for it. About 54% of them do
not agree that there is sufficient social awareness of COVID-19, and 60% do not
believe that that COVID-19 results in death in all cases. Also, 49% do not believe that
COVID-19 can be transmitted through household pets to humans. Interestingly,
although 56% do not agree that COVID-19 can be treated at home, 37% believed
otherwise, and 7% did not have any idea (Table 5).
In terms of how the government handles the on-going crisis, a large
percentage of the respondents agreed that authorities should restrict travel to and
from areas with high numbers of COVID-19 cases to prevent contamination (95%);
and 92% said that authorities should quarantine COVID-19 patients in special
hospitals. The same number (92%) also agreed that if there is still an increase in the
number of cases of COVID-19 in the next two to four weeks, the government should
not allow educational centers to open within the next six months; while 94% believe
that the government should continue restricting/prohibiting access to churches,
religious sites, and shrines if the number of COVID-19 cases does not decrease in the
next two to four weeks.
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8.3.
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Ta
ble
5 Th
e At
titud
e of
Res
pond
ents
Tow
ard
COVI
D-19
Stat
emen
ts
Stro
ngly
Agre
e
Agre
e D
isag
ree
Stro
ngly
Dis
agre
e
N
Wei
ghte
d
Mea
n
SD
It is
my
opin
ion
that
ear
ly d
etec
tion
of C
OVID
-19
can
impr
ove
trea
tmen
t and
outc
ome.
75
19
3 2
99
3.69
0.
63
It is
my
opin
ion
that
COV
ID-1
9 ca
n be
trea
ted
at h
ome.
13
24
31
25
93
2.
27
1.01
It is
my
opin
ion
that
hea
lth e
duca
tion
can
help
pre
vent
COV
ID-1
9.
70
25
2 1
98
3.67
0.
57
It is
my
opin
ion
that
COV
ID-1
9 is
a se
riou
s dis
ease
. 90
8
0 1
99
3.89
0.
40
It is
my
opin
ion
that
if th
ere
is a
n av
aila
ble
vacc
ine
for t
he d
isea
se, i
t sho
uld
be
used
eve
n if
ther
e ar
e no
t yet
eno
ugh
stud
ies (
tria
ls) f
or it
.
9 14
29
38
90
1.
93
0.99
It is
my
opin
ion
that
COV
ID-1
9 is
a cu
rabl
e di
seas
e.
35
42
6 10
93
3.
10
0.93
It is
my
opin
ion
that
the
awar
enes
s of C
OVID
-19
in so
ciet
y is
suffi
cien
t. 13
24
34
20
91
2.
33
0.98
It is
my
opin
ion
that
COV
ID-1
9 re
sults
in d
eath
in a
ll ca
ses.
10
21
37
23
91
2.20
0.
95
It is
my
opin
ion
that
COV
ID-1
9 ca
n be
tran
smitt
ed th
roug
h ho
useh
old
pets
to
hum
ans.
16
20
23
26
85
2.31
1.
10
It is
my
opin
ion
that
aut
hori
ties s
houl
d re
stri
ct tr
avel
to a
nd fr
om C
OVID
-19
area
s
to p
reve
nt co
ntam
inat
ion.
71
24
3 1
99
3.67
0.
59
It is
my
opin
ion
that
aut
hori
ties s
houl
d qu
aran
tine
COVI
D-19
pat
ient
s in
spec
ial
hosp
itals
.
65
27
3 1
96
3.63
0.
60
Asia
n Jo
urna
l for
Pub
lic O
pini
on R
esea
rch
- ISS
N 2
288-
6168
(Onl
ine)
Vo
l. 8
No.
3 Au
gust
202
0: 3
24-3
50
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://d
x.doi
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/10.
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6/aj
por.2
020.
8.3.
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338
Ta
ble
5 Th
e At
titud
e of
Res
pond
ents
Tow
ard
COVI
D-19
(Con
td.)
Stat
emen
ts
Stro
ngly
Agre
e
Agre
e D
isag
ree
Stro
ngly
Dis
agre
e
N
Wei
ghte
d
Mea
n
SD
It is
my
opin
ion
that
if th
ere
is st
ill a
n in
crea
se in
the
num
ber o
f cas
es o
f COV
ID-1
9
in th
e ne
xt tw
o to
four
wee
ks, t
he g
over
nmen
t sho
uld
not a
llow
edu
catio
nal
cent
ers t
o op
en w
ithin
the
next
six
mon
ths.
73
19
5 1
98
3.67
0.
62
It is
my
opin
ion
that
the
gove
rnm
ent s
houl
d co
ntin
ue re
stri
ctin
g/pr
ohib
iting
acce
ss to
chur
ches
, rel
igio
us si
tes,
and
shri
nes i
f the
num
ber o
f COV
ID-1
9 ca
ses
does
not
dec
reas
e in
the
next
two
to fo
ur w
eeks
.
69
25
2 3
99
3.62
0.
68
It is
my
opin
ion
that
the
gove
rnm
ent m
ust c
ontin
ue p
laci
ng th
e N
atio
nal C
apita
l
Regi
on u
nder
an
Enha
nced
Com
mun
ity Q
uara
ntin
e.
47
27
20
2 96
3.
24
0.86
It is
my
opin
ion
that
the
gove
rnm
ent i
s doi
ng e
noug
h to
con
trol
the
spre
ad o
f
COVI
D-19
.
18
26
26
23
93
2.42
1.
07
It is
my
opin
ion
that
the
gove
rnm
ent m
ust c
ondu
ct m
assi
ve te
stin
g (t
est m
ore
peop
le a
side
from
hea
lth w
orke
rs, f
ront
line
rs, a
nd p
erso
ns su
spec
ted
of
havi
ng C
OVID
-19)
to co
ntro
l the
spre
ad o
f COV
ID-1
9.
72
19
5 2
98
3.64
0.
68
It is
my
opin
ion
that
the
Dep
artm
ent o
f Hea
lth is
effe
ctiv
e in
cont
rolli
ng th
e sp
read
of C
OVID
-19
in th
is co
untr
y (i.
e., t
he P
hilip
pine
s).
13
16
32
26
87
2.18
1.
03
It is
my
opin
ion
that
my
empl
oyer
is p
repa
red
to im
plem
ent n
ew g
over
nmen
t
polic
ies r
elat
ed to
COV
ID-1
9 (e
x. so
cial
dis
tanc
ing
in th
e of
fice,
dis
infe
ctio
n)
42
37
10
5 94
3.
23
0.85
It is
my
opin
ion
that
the
gove
rnm
ent m
ust p
lace
the
Nat
iona
l Cap
ital R
egio
n un
der
a Ge
nera
l Com
mun
ity Q
uara
ntin
e.
22
24
27
19
92
2.53
1.
07
Asian Journal for Public Opinion Research - ISSN 2288-6168 (Online) Vol. 8 No.3 August 2020: 324-350
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339
Although 74% agreed that the NCR should be placed under enhanced
community quarantine (ECQ), when the same respondents were asked if the
government must place the NCR under a General Community Quarantine, 46%
answered in the affirmative, while 46% disagreed.
There was also a large number of respondents (91%) in this study who believe
that the government must conduct massive testing (test more people aside from
health workers, front liners, and persons suspected of having COVID-19) to control
the spread of COVID-19.
When the respondents were asked if the Philippine government is doing
enough to control the spread of COVID-19 in the country, only 44% agreed, while 49%
disagreed. There was also a negative attitude towards the Department of Health, as
58% believe it is not effective in addressing the problems brought by COVID-19. Only
29% agreed with this statement, while 13% did not have any idea.
Last, the respondents were also asked if their companies are prepared to
implement government policies concerning COVID-19. About 79% or 8 of 10
respondents agreed, while 15% answered negatively.
Results of the Kruska-Wallis test showed that there are significant differences
in the attitude scores in terms of the respondents’ educational attainment but not
across other demographic characteristics (Table 6).
Table 6
Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents and Their Attitude Score on COVID-19 and Results of Kruskal-Wallis Test
Demographic
Profile
Mean SD Chi-
square
value
P-
value
Gender Female 3.04 .50
1.49 .684 Male 3.09 .42
Transgender 3.57 -
Prefer not to say 3.20 .52
Asian Journal for Public Opinion Research - ISSN 2288-6168 (Online) Vol. 8 No.3 August 2020: 324-350
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340
Table 6
Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents and Their Attitude Score on COVID-19 and Results of Kruskal-Wallis Test (Contd.)
Demographic
Profile
Mean SD Chi-
square
value
P-
value
Educational
Attainment
Vocational 4.00 -
14.30 .006*
College Level 3.27 .42
College Graduate 2.95 .43
Post-Graduate Level 2.93 .52
Post-Graduate 3.24 .76
Employment
Status
Regular/Permanent 3.06 .47
10.15 .071
Casual/Contractual 2.84 .34
Part-time 3.02 .16
Self-employed/Freelance 3.63 .43
Job Order 3.85 -
Prefer not to say 2.84 -
Monthly
Income
Below Php5,000 (US$102) 2.84 -
5.02 .542
Php5,001 - Php10,000 (US$102-205) 2.95 .33
Php10,001 - Php15,000 (US$205-307) 3.34 .43
Php15,001 - Php20,000 (US$307-410) 2.98 .40
Php20,001- Php25,000 (US$410-512) 3.08 .41
Over Php25,001 (US$512) 3.03 .58
Prefer not to say 3.13 .48
Employment
Sector
Government/Government Owned and
Controlled Corporation (GOCC) 2.97 .44
1.96 .581 Private Sector 3.08 .49
Non-Government Organization 3.16 .37
No answer 3.13 .04
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341
COVID-19 Practices
Practices toward COVID-19 were measured using 10 items. Respondents were
asked to answer how often they did the specific actions in the last seven days upon
answering the survey.
Based on the respondents’ answers, a majority paid more attention to their
hygiene (80%), used disinfectant and solutions such as alcohol (82%), wore a face
mask when in public (87%), practiced social distancing when in public (78%), and
washed their hands with soap after being in public all the time (75%). Around 56%
drank vitamin supplements all the time, while 21% drank herbal products and
traditional medicines. Moreover, very few went out of their homes in the past seven
days (63% occasionally or none of the time), and fewer went to work (53% none of
the time), which can be attributed to the strict quarantine measures in place when
this survey was conducted. Most of the respondents said that they avoided physical
contact (71% none of the time) and did not use public transportation (59% none of
the time) (Table 7). Results of the Kruska-Wallis test found that the practice scores
were not statistically different across all demographic characteristics included in this
study (Table 8).
Asia
n Jo
urna
l for
Pub
lic O
pini
on R
esea
rch
- ISS
N 2
288-
6168
(Onl
ine)
Vo
l. 8
No.
3 Au
gust
202
0: 3
24-3
50
http
://d
x.doi
.org
/10.
1520
6/aj
por.2
020.
8.3.
324
342
Ta
ble
7
The
Attit
ude
of R
espo
nden
ts T
owar
d CO
VID-
19
St
atem
ents
Al
l the
Tim
e
Mos
t of
the
tim
e
Som
e of
the
tim
e
Occ
asio
nally
N
one
of
the
tim
e
N
Wei
ghte
d
Mea
n
SD
Goin
g ou
t of m
y ho
me
6 1
30
56
7 10
0 3.
57
23.0
3
Phys
ical
cont
act (
ex. h
ands
haki
ng, h
uggi
ng, a
nd
kiss
ing)
3 1
5 18
71
98
4.
56
29.4
9
Taki
ng p
ublic
tran
spor
tatio
n (t
ricy
cle,
bus
, any
othe
r allo
wed
shut
tles)
4 0
10
24
59
97
4.38
23
.93
Goin
g to
wor
k 13
3
13
13
53
95
3.95
19
.49
Was
hing
my
hand
s with
soap
afte
r bei
ng in
pub
lic
75
17
3 5
0 10
0 1.
38
31.4
2
Payi
ng a
tten
tion
to m
y pe
rson
al h
ygie
ne
80
15
1 4
0 10
0 1.
29
34.0
7
Usin
g di
sinf
ecta
nt a
nd so
lutio
ns
82
13
3 2
0 10
0 1.
25
35.0
2
Usin
g he
rbal
pro
duct
s and
trad
ition
al m
edic
ine
21
10
24
15
26
96
3.16
6.
61
Taki
ng v
itam
in su
pple
men
ts
56
16
14
6 7
99
1.91
20
.69
Wea
ring
face
mas
k w
hen
in p
ublic
87
7
2 3
1 10
0 1.
24
37.5
2
Prac
ticin
g so
cial
dis
tanc
ing
whe
n ou
tsid
e m
y ho
me
78
15
3 3
1 10
0 1.
34
32.8
9
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343
Table 8
Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents and Their Practice Score on COVID-19 and Results of Kruskal-Wallis Test
Demographic
Profile
Mean SD Chi-
square
value
P-
value
Gender Female 2.48 .44
2.87 .412 Male 2.63 .65
Transgender 1.38 -
Prefer not to say 2.61 .44
Educational
Attainment
Vocational 4.00 -
5.41 .248
College Level 2.52 .53
College Graduate 2.53 .53
Post-Graduate Level 2.33 .21
Post-Graduate 2.32 .38
Employment
Status
Regular/Permanent 2.50 .52
1.77 .880
Casual/Contractual 2.56 .37
Part-time 2.61 .59
Self-employed/Freelance 3.01 .86
Job Order 2.27 -
Prefer not to say 2.55 -
Monthly
Income
Below Php5,000 (US$102) 2.64 -
6.30 .390
Php5,001 - Php10,000 (US$102-205) 2.32 .31
Php10,001 - Php15,000 (US$205-307) 2.33 .58
Php15,001 - Php20,000 (US$307-410) 2.70 .58
Php20,001- Php25,000 (US$410-512) 2.61 .53
Over Php25,001 (US$512) 2.53 .57
Prefer not to say 2.34 .37
Employment
Sector
Government/Government Owned and
Controlled Corporation (GOCC) 2.32 .29
4.89 .180 Private Sector 2.54 .55
Non-Government Organization 2.76 .54
No answer 2.18 .00
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344
Discussion
COVID-19 is a relatively new virus that has become a global health emergency within
just a few months after it was first detected in Wuhan, China. However, there has been
limited published data on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward COVID-19
among Filipinos, especially among the local workers. The novelty of this pandemic,
with many issues that have been observed, will likely become worse if these issues
are not properly addressed. Therefore, it is critical for those in authority to come up
with appropriate strategies to help mitigate the impact of the disease and prepare the
public for worse scenarios. This study, although very limited in terms of the sample,
still provides important and timely insights into how workers in the NCR understand
the situation that will guide government efforts.
The average knowledge score of the selected Filipino workers from the NCR
who were included in this study was high at 92%. This is important to highlight since
limited knowledge about the pandemic will bring additional burden to the
government in terms of communicating basic information about the disease. When
the survey was administered to the respondents, it had been almost four months
since the first local transmission was recorded, and three months since the ECQ was
imposed in the NCR. Despite the surge in misinformation and disinformation on social
media, it is a positive sign to be able to note that workers have correct knowledge
about the disease.
In terms of attitudes, the present study found that a large number of
respondents had positive attitudes about the need for health education and the
seriousness of COVID-19. In terms of government measures, the respondents have a
more positive attitude toward stricter measures such as the implementation of
community quarantines, closure of schools and religious sites, and massive testing.
However, they have negative attitudes toward the government’s general response
and the effectiveness of the Department of Health.
In terms of practice, respondents in this study follow strict measures such as
the washing of hands using soap, maintaining proper hygiene, using disinfectants and
alcohol, wearing face masks, and maintaining proper social distancing when outside
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345
the home. They also avoid physical contact and taking public transportation. Overall,
respondents in this study are practicing good measures to avoid contracting or
spreading COVID-19.
There are several limitations in this study that the researchers acknowledge.
First is the sample size. Sampling was done using convenience non-probability
sampling through the networks of the researchers using only a single social media
platform – Facebook. This resulted in a small number of respondents. As a result,
there is a strong possibility of selection bias and the respondents may differ from
other members of the population of employed individuals in the NCR. Moreover,
women were over-represented in the sample (Philippine Statistics Authority, 2020),
as well as those earning Php20,001 (US$411) and above monthly, as nearly three-
fifths of Filipinos belong to the low-income class who earn below Php20,000
(US$410) monthly (Albert, Santos and Vizmanos, 2018). Thus, results cannot be
generalized to the wider population of employed workers in the NCR. Future
researchers must conduct a more systematic, probability-based sampling method to
come up with more representative and generalizable results. Additionally, the
measurement of KAP has been limited to several items, which did not include the
health-seeking intentions of the respondents. Future studies should include possible
factors contributing to the respondents’ KAP, as well as their sources of information.
Researchers may also conduct a thorough assessment of the validity and reliability of
several instruments and come up with a standardized one for future reference.
Conclusion
Thus, the study was able to provide a benchmark of the KAP of selected employed
people in the NCR, Philippines toward COVID-19. As more workers go back to work
with the lifting of strict quarantine measures in the capital region of the Philippines,
it is important to understand how some of them perceive this issue, and in particular,
apply appropriate preventive measures.
The respondents showed a high level of knowledge of the causes and
preventive measures against COVID-19. The challenge now is to sustain this high level
Asian Journal for Public Opinion Research - ISSN 2288-6168 (Online) Vol. 8 No.3 August 2020: 324-350
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346
of knowledge, and future researchers can validate whether this is true of the general
population. Respondents also have a positive attitude toward the need for health
education and the seriousness of COVID-19. Also, the respondents have become more
aware of preventive practices, taking measures that will prevent further spread of the
virus. A highlight of this study is the favorable attitude of the respondents toward
stricter government measures against COVID-19, and their less favorable attitude
towards Philippine government response against the disease. A majority of the
respondents feel that the government is not doing enough, specifically the
Department of Health. Likewise, seven out of ten respondents were in favor of placing
the NCR in ECQ. The government should consider its policies in light of these results,
including conducting massive testing of health workers, front liners, and persons
suspected of having COVID-19, in order to control the spread of COVID-19.
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347
References
ABS-CBN News. (2020, March 07). CODE RED: Philippines' coronavirus cases rise to 6, DOH confirms local transmission. https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/07/20/code-red-philippines-coronavirus-cases-rise-to-6-doh-confirms-local-transmission
Abdi, M. (2020). Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in Iran: Actions and problems. https://dx.doi.org/10.1017%2Fice.2020.86
Albert, J.R., Santos, A. G., and Vizmanos, J. F. (2018). Defining and profiling the middle class. https://pidswebs.pids.gov.ph/CDN/PUBLICATIONS/pidspn1818.pdf
Azlan, A. A., Hamzah, M. R., Sern, T. J., Ayub, S. H., and Mohamad, E. (2020). Public knowledge, attitudes and practices towards COVID-19: A cross-sectional study in Malaysia. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0233668
Cascella, M., Rajnik, M., Cuomo, A., Dulebohn, S. C., and Di Napoli, R. (2020). Features, Evaluation and Treatment Coronavirus (COVID-19). StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554776/
CNN Philippines. (2020a, April 26). Over 2 million workers lose jobs as COVID-19 quarantine measures continue – DOLE. https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/4/26/2-million-workers-displaced-quarantine-COVID-19-pandemic.html
CNN Philippines. (2020b, June 1). Workers brave Metro Manila roads as PH relaxes COVID-19 lockdown rules. https://www.cnn.ph/news/2020/6/1/Metro-Manila-GCQ-lockdown-COVID-19.html
Civil Service Commission. (2020, July 26). CSC clarifies guidelines on Job Order and Contract of Service workers. http://web.csc.gov.ph/new-updates/1370-csc-clarifies-guidelines-on-job-order-and-contract-of-service-workers.html
Department of Health. (2020, March 7). DOH confirms local transmission of COVID-19 in PH; Reports 6th Case. https://www.doh.gov.ph/doh-press-release/doh-confirms-local-transmission-of-covid-19-in-ph
Erfani, A., Shahriarirad, R., Ranjbar, K., Mirahmadizadeh, A., & Moghadami, M. (2020). Knowledge, Attitude and Practice toward the Novel Coronavirus
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(COVID-19) Outbreak: A Population-Based Survey in Iran. [Preprint]. Bull World Health Organ. http://dx.doi.org/10.2471/BLT.20.256651
Gonzales, G. (2019, January 31). Filipinos spend most time online, on social media worldwide – report. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/technology/news/222407-philippines-online-use-2019-hootsuite-we-are-social-report
John Hopkins University. (2020). COVID-19 Map. Retrieved June 9, 2020 https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html
Lau, L., Hung, N., Go, D., Ferma, J., Choi, M., Dodd, W., and Wei, X. (2020). Knowledge, attitudes and practices of COVID-19 among income-poor households in the Philippines: A cross-sectional study. https://doi.org/10.7189/jogh.10.011007
Lopez, V. (2020, April 24). Duterte extends enhanced community quarantine in NCR, other 'high-risk' areas. GMA. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/735382/duterte-extends-enhanced-community-quarantine-in-ncr-7-other-high-risk-areas/story/
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350
Biographical Notes
Angelito P. Bautista Jr., MCM is the general manager of Blue Chips Research and
Consultancy Co., a market and opinion research company founded in 2018 and based in
Navotas City, Metro Manila, Philippines. He completed his master’s in communication
management degree from the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication, with
distinction.
He can be reached at Blue Chips Research and Consultancy Co., 20 L.R.
Yangco St., Brgy. Navotas East, Navotas City, Philippines or by e-mail at
bluechipsconsultancy@gmail.com.
Dianne Balibrea is the co-founder of Blue Chips Research and Consultancy Co. She
graduated from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) with the degree
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Research. She was formerly a market research
assistant in an international financial services research company.
She can be reached at Blue Chips Research and Consultancy Co., 20 L.R. Yangco St., Brgy.
Navotas East, Navotas City, Philippines or by e-mail at dbalibrea.bluechips@gmail.com.
Doris G. Bleza, LPT, MPA, is a Master in Public Administration graduate from the
Polytechnic University of the Philippines. She serves as an administrative officer in
the human resource department at PUP. She is also co-founder of the Blue Chips
Research and Consultancy Co., and member of the Board of Directors of TEACHERS,
INC., a non-government organization for teachers and non-teaching personnel in the
academic sector.
She can be reached at Polytechnic University of the Philippines, 3/F South Wing, HRD,
Main Building PUP A. Mabini Campus, Anonas St., Sta. Mesa Manila, Philippines or by
e-mail at doray.bleza@gmail.com.
Date of Submission: 2020-07-05
Date of the Review Result: 2020-07-31
Date of the Decision: 2020-08-07
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