Comparison of Lockdown Practices and COVID-19 Beliefs Among Public-Facing Bankers and Work-From-Home Teachers.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic in March 2020. During this time of emergency and because of the novel and poorly understood nature of this virus, misinformation was spreading side by side, worsening people's fears. This was why conducting this study was so important, to discover the knowledge gap regarding COVID-19 spread, cure, and preventative measures. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate and compare the daily habits and beliefs about COVID-19 transmission and treatment among two groups during the lockdown period. Additionally, it seeks to examine how watching an educational video influences their opinions and attitudes toward COVID-19. METHODS: A quasi-experimental pre- and post-intervention study was conducted from September 2021 to January 2022 among bankers (public dealers) and teachers (work-from-home individuals). The questionnaire covered demographics, daily routines, COVID-19 knowledge, thoughts on lockdown, and vaccine beliefs. After completing the survey, participants watched a video on COVID-19 and completed the same survey again a week later. RESULT: Our study revealed a notable impact of the intervention on participants' behaviors and beliefs. The study showed a mixed impact, while there was a significant increase in mask-changing habits; surprisingly, attendance at mass events also rose. Teachers demonstrated improved hand hygiene practices, with a notable increase in frequency. Bankers showed a significant increase in adopting preventative measures, including social distancing and changing clothes after returning home. Additionally, a greater number of bankers recognized the ineffectiveness of senna or antibiotics in treating COVID-19. Overall, the intervention had a more pronounced effect on the teachers' practices and bankers' beliefs. CONCLUSION: Public dealers and work-from-home individuals share similar cleanliness habits. Our video intervention boosted mask-wearing, a key COVID-19 preventive measure. Bankers showed the most notable changes in beliefs and practices, suggesting a greater impact. Further studies in other regions and professions are warranted.