Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Public Health and Surveillance
Date Submitted: Jun 14, 2020
Date Accepted: Dec 7, 2020
Public knowledge, attitudes, and practices about COVID-19 in Iran: A nationwide study
ABSTRACT
Background:
COVID-19 pandemic is a rapidly growing outbreak, the future course of which is strongly determined by people's adherence to social-distancing measures.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the Iranian population about COVID-19.
Methods:
This community-based-national study was conducted from March 24th to April 3rd, 2020. Data were collected via an online self-administrative questionnaire.
Results:
Responses of 12332 participants were analyzed. Participants' mean (SD) knowledge score was 23·2 (4·3) of 30. Most participants recognized the cause, routes of transmission, symptoms and signs, predisposing factors, and prevention. Social media was the leading information source. Participants recognized the danger of the situation, and felt responsible for following social-distancing, and isolating themselves upon symptom presentation. Participants' mean (SD) practice score was 20·7 (2·2) of 24. Almost all did not go on a trip. More than 90% of participants washed their hands before touching their faces.
Conclusions:
The knowledge of Iranians about COVID-19 was almost sufficient, their attitudes were mainly positive, and their practices were satisfactory. There is still room for improvement in correcting misinformation and protecting people from deception. Iranians seem to be on board with the government in implementing social-distancing measures and care for their safety and others.
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Copyright
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