Background: Coronaviruses are a tremendous family of viruses that can be an etiologic agent to cause a variety of disease in humans, which can lead to complications ranging from mild to severe life-threatening conditions. In late December 2019, numerous patients with viral pneumonia were found to be related to the Huanan seafood market in Wuhan, in the Hubei province of China. Due to the rapid spread of COVID-19 infection globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that COVID-19 infection as global pandemic disease on March 11, 2020. After two days, the first case was reported in Ethiopia.

Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice towards COVID-19 infection in Arba Minch town, Southern Ethiopia.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out at Arba Minch town from March 08 to April 08, 2020. Data were collected using a pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire technique and online survey. The knowledge questionnaire consisted of 15 questions regarding the transmission, clinical characteristics and prevention of COVID-19. Attitude and practice questionnaire consisted of 6 and 7 questions, respectively. Data were coded and entered in to SPSS-for windows version 24 for analysis. Bivariate logistic regression analysis was done to determine the presence and degree of association between KAP and socio-demographic variables. Odds Ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals was calculated. In addition, multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied for knowledge and statistical significance test was declared at P-value< 0.05 and adjusted OR (AOR) with 95% CI.

Results: A total of 528 participants completed the survey questionnaire, of these, 392 (74.2%) were male. The mean (SD) of COVID-19 knowledge score was 11.48 (SD: 2.25, range: 1-15), suggesting an overall 76.53%[(11.48 15⁄)× 100] correct rate. About 408 (77.3%) of participants had confidence on WHO could win the battle against COVID-19. One hundred twelve (21.2%) of respondents were oppose the wearing of face masks. Among the study participants, 33.3% of respondents had at least one risk behaviour related to COVID-19 infection. Multivariate logistic regression showed that age group of≥ 40 years (AOR= 13.2; 95% CI: 3.83, 45.64)(vs.≤ 21 years), marital status of married (vs. single)(AOR= 0.35; 95% CI: 0.19-0.67), education levels of degree or higher (vs. primary school and below)(AOR= 7.33; 95% CI: 2.2-24.23), and occupation status of government employed (vs. students)(AOR= 0.24; 95% CI: 0.1-0.60) were significantly associated with knowledge of COVID-19. Gender (being male) and age (< 20 years) are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors.

Higher knowledge score was possessed positive attitude and proactive practice towards COVID-19.

Conclusion: The findings showed the majority of respondents had good knowledge, positive attitude, and less risky behaviour toward COVID-19, but there are some negative attitudes, and risky behaviour than expected. Especially, respondents had very reckless practices; going to a crowded place and not wearing a mask when leaving home. Health education programs aimed at improving COVID-19 knowledge are helpful to reduce risky behaviour and maintain appropriate practices.