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Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding COVID-19 among the Greek general population

Georgia Kourlaba, Christos Triantafyllou, Eleni Kourkouni, Nafsika-Maria Molocha, Evangelia Chorianopoulou, Markela Koniordou, Ioannis Kopsidas, Stefania Maistreli, Christina - Grammatiki Tsopela, Stefania Maroudi-Manta, Dimitrios Filippou, Theoklis E. Zaoutis.

Pneumon, 2020 Dec;Online. DOI:http://www.pneumon.org/online-first/newsid789/820

Abstract

Introduction: Countries worldwide have adopted unprecedented infection control and prevention measures to curtail the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The success of these measures depends on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the general population toward COVID-19.The objective of this study was to measure the KAP of adult Greek residents toward COVID-19.

Methods: A cross-sectional nationwide survey (n=1,004) was conducted during between April 28,2020 to May 03,2020 using a mixed methodology for data collection: Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) and Computer Assisted web Interviewing (CAWI). A systematic sampling procedure (stratified by region) was used to ensure a nationally representative sample of the urban/rural population. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire.

Results:

  • 35% of respondents reported correctly the five most commonly related to COVID-19 symptoms (i.e. cough, fever, shortness of breath, gastrointestinal symptoms and myalgia).
  • Most respondents (>90%) knew that coronavirus can be transmitted by droplets from human-to-human and contaminated surfaces.
  • Avoiding touching the face with one’s hands and social distancing were identified as the most appropriate prevention and control measures against COVID-19 by over 95% of respondents.
  • The median (IQR) of the total knowledge score was 17 (16-19).
  • 45.6% of respondents believed that the novel coronavirus was developed by humans in laboratories, and 79.4% and 69.0% believed that novel coronavirus is more contagious and more lethal than flu virus H1N1, respectively.
  • 41.1% of respondents stated that they had proceeded to social distancing before government measures were taken.

Conclusion: Overall, the Greek general population had adequate knowledge of the symptoms, transmission routes and prevention measures of the COVID-19, although there is undoubtedly still room for improvement.