Abstract :
Coronavirus is a virus that causes disease in humans and animals. It causes
respiratory tract infections, ranging from colds to serious illnesses. This case
originated from a report by China to the World Health Organization (WHO) that
there were 44 acute pneumonia patients in Wuhan. One of the health protocols
that is always echoed to prevent transmission of Covid-19 is washing hands,
because this behavior is the basis of a healthy lifestyle. Many people have not
realized the importance of washing hands for Covid-19 prevention. This study
aims to determine the relationship between public knowledge and hand washing
behavior as an effort to prevent Covid-19 in Cemani, Sukoharjo. This research is a
non experimental research. The population is residents of RW 15, Cemani village,
sukoharjo. The total sample is 181 respondents. Sampling using random sampling
technique, and respondent behavior is taken using a questionnaire and analyzed
using the Chi Square test. The results showed that 2 respondents had good
knowledge but had poor behavior in washing their hands (1.1%). Respondents
with poor knowledge but sufficient behavior were 35 respondents (18.6%).
Respondents with poor knowledge but good behavior were 12 respondents
(6.4%). Respondents with good knowledge but bad behavior were 1 respondent
(0.5%). Respondents with good knowledge and sufficient behavior were 57
respondents (30.3%). Respondents with good knowledge and good behavior were
81 respondents (43.1%). Chi Square test on knowledge and behavior of hand
washing is indicated by the value of p = 0.000 (p <0.05). This shows that there is a
relationship between the knowledge variable and hand washing habits.