Effect of a comic story on orphan children's knowledge and hand washing practice about pandemic of COVID-19

Abstract

World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 as a pandemic in 11^th of March 2020. COVID-19 that disrupts Children’s growth and development, friendships, daily routines and has a negative consequence for their well-being, development and protection. About 1 in 3 children hospitalized with COVID-19 in the United States were admitted to the intensive care unit. Aim: The aim of this study was evaluating the effect of a comic story on children’s knowledge and hand washing practices about pandemic of COVID-19. Study design: A quasi-experimental design was used. Setting: Nour Al-Huda Charitable Society that caring males and females orphaned children in separate setting Sample: A convenient sample including all children in the orphanage, there was 41 children and their age range between 3 to less than 12 years. Tools of data collection: An interview questionnaire sheet as a tool one that had two parts first one concerned with sociodemographic data of children and second one assessed children’s knowledge about pandemic of COVID-19, an observational check list sheet as a tool two and had two parts; where part one assessed facilities required for applying precautionary measures inside the home, while part two assessed children’s hand washing practice inside the home. Results: there was a statistically significant differences between the total children’s knowledge regarding COVID-19 and total observed practice score regarding correct technique of hand washing pre/post comic story implementation. Conclusion: It was concluded that the implementation of a comic story had improved children’s total mean score of knowledge and hand washing practice regarding COVID-19 with statistically significant differences of both in relation to pre and post comic story implementation. Recommendations: The study recommended that to breakdown the ring of transmission of COVID-19; the collaboration between governmental and non-governmental agencies and stakeholders are main supporters for those children via appropriate  and friendly communication tools that improve their knowledge; practice and also providing those setting by funding and resources for applying precautionary measures of COVID-19 with periodical follow up for personals, setting, services and resources.