Success of health cell approach in improving knowledge, attitude and practice related to COVID-19: difference-in-differences analyses of a community-based quasi-experimental trial

ObjectivesThere remain hesitations and miscommunication regarding appropriate public health behaviours and conceptions related to COVID-19. We tested the effectiveness of the community-based health cell approach in improving knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) related to COVID-19.SettingHouseholds of the Bauniabadh slum area in Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh.ParticipantsHousehold heads (HHs) and homemakers (HMs) of intervention (n=211) and comparison households (n=209).InterventionsBehaviour change communication delivered at the community level in a quasi-experimental manner through small-scale community meetings and home visits.Outcome variables and methodsThe outcomes of interest were before–after mean and per cent changes in KAP scores. Data were collected from HHs and HMs before and after the intervention and difference-in-differences (DID) analysis technique was applied.ResultsWe found statistically significant (p