TY - JOUR
T1 - A cross-sectional study of knowledge, attitude, behaviour and preventive measures for COVID-19 infection in Lebanon
AU - Sakr, Fouad
AU - Maalouf, Anna
AU - Msallem, Elissa
AU - Issa, Aline
AU - Nehme, Jessica
AU - Hoteit, Maha
AU - Hleyhel, Mira
AU - Salameh, Pascale
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© Authors 2023.
PY - 2023
Y1 - 2023
N2 - Background: The World Health Organization has often reiterated its recommendations for the prevention of COVID-19, however, the success of these measures largely depends on public knowledge and attitudes. Aims: This study assessed the relationship between knowledge, attitude, behaviour and preventive measures for COVID-19 infection in a Lebanese population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between September and October 2020 using the snowball sampling technique and an online self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire had 4 parts targeting sociodemographic characteristics; medical history; knowledge, attitude and practices (preventive measures and behaviours related to COVID-19); and mental health variables such as psychological distress. Two models were derived using multivariable binomial logistic regression to optimize the picture of COVID-19 correlates. Results: Our sample comprised 1119 adults. Being older, female, a regular alcohol consumer, waterpipe smoker, having low level of education, low family income, and having contact with a COVID-19 patient correlated with increased odds of ever having been diagnosed with COVID-19. Participants who had ever been diagnosed with COVID-19 had a significantly better knowledge and a higher risky practice scale [adjusted odds ratio (ORa) = 1.49; 95% CI 1.27–1.74; P < 0.001; and ORa = 1.04; 95% CI 1.01–1.08; P = 0.024, respectively]. Conclusion: The most important predictors of COVID-19 infection appear to be generally well-known among the general population, however, their knowledge and adherence to preventive measures should be continuously re-evaluated. This study highlights the need for greater awareness to improve precautionary behaviours among the public.
AB - Background: The World Health Organization has often reiterated its recommendations for the prevention of COVID-19, however, the success of these measures largely depends on public knowledge and attitudes. Aims: This study assessed the relationship between knowledge, attitude, behaviour and preventive measures for COVID-19 infection in a Lebanese population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between September and October 2020 using the snowball sampling technique and an online self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire had 4 parts targeting sociodemographic characteristics; medical history; knowledge, attitude and practices (preventive measures and behaviours related to COVID-19); and mental health variables such as psychological distress. Two models were derived using multivariable binomial logistic regression to optimize the picture of COVID-19 correlates. Results: Our sample comprised 1119 adults. Being older, female, a regular alcohol consumer, waterpipe smoker, having low level of education, low family income, and having contact with a COVID-19 patient correlated with increased odds of ever having been diagnosed with COVID-19. Participants who had ever been diagnosed with COVID-19 had a significantly better knowledge and a higher risky practice scale [adjusted odds ratio (ORa) = 1.49; 95% CI 1.27–1.74; P < 0.001; and ORa = 1.04; 95% CI 1.01–1.08; P = 0.024, respectively]. Conclusion: The most important predictors of COVID-19 infection appear to be generally well-known among the general population, however, their knowledge and adherence to preventive measures should be continuously re-evaluated. This study highlights the need for greater awareness to improve precautionary behaviours among the public.
KW - attitude
KW - COVID-19
KW - knowledge
KW - Lebanon
KW - preventive measures
KW - risky behaviours
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85159287368&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.26719/emhj.23.038
DO - 10.26719/emhj.23.038
M3 - Article
C2 - 37246441
AN - SCOPUS:85159287368
SN - 1020-3397
VL - 29
SP - 295
EP - 301
JO - Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal
JF - Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal
IS - 4
ER -