JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Globally, COVID-19 is in transition from the acute pandemic phase into a post-acute phase, and special attention should be paid at this time to COVID-19 control strategies. Understanding of public knowledge and attitudes plays a pivotal role in controlling COVID-19´s spread and provides information about the public´s adherence to preventive and control measures.

Objective:

This study protocol describes the planning and management of a survey to investigate the persistent or changing nature of knowledge and attitudes regarding COVID-19, vaccination and non-pharmaceutical preventive measures, in household contacts of COVID-19 cases aged 18 years and over, after the acute phase of the pandemic in Catalonia and Navarre, Spain.

Methods:

A questionnaire was designed to assess the changing trends in knowledge, preventive measures and attitudes towards COVID-19 over time. The questionnaire consists of seven sections: social and demographic characteristics, comorbidities and risk factors, epidemiological data, COVID-19 vaccination status, knowledge and attitudes towards COVID-19, and sources of information. A panel of experts designed and assessed the validity of the questionnaire in terms of relevance, consistency, comprehensiveness and clarity.

Results:

A pilot study was performed in May 2022 to evaluate the questionnaire in twenty two household contacts. Preliminary findings indicated that questionnaire was feasible and acceptable in the general population. Recruitment is currently in progress, and final results will be expected in 2024.

Conclusions:

The implementation of the survey during the transition phase will provide valuable insight to assist public health decision-making, and help to control the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses among the population. Clinical Trial: Not applicable.