Preventive Measures for COVID-19 Infection and the Attitudes of Individuals: A Sample in Turkey

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed to determine the knowledge and beliefs of individuals regarding coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and its transmission pathways, their sources of information, their practice status of preventive measures and related factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One thousand and four hundred and forty-four people completed a questionnaire between March 22, 2020, and April 6, 2020. The 12-question questionnaire consisted of questions regarding socio-demographics, information sources, the beliefs of the participants, and their practices to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. The data were analyzed using chi-square, t-test and One-Way ANOVA for comparisons. RESULTS: The participants had sufficient knowledge about COVID-19 and its preventive measures. They were using social media platforms, official websites, and the TV news to obtain information about COVID-19. The rates of belief in the recommended measure and practicing these measures, such as keeping social distance, hand-washing, staying at home, avoiding public transportation and using disinfectants were quite common. Data showed that women, people living in cities, healthcare workers, and regular commuters believed in the measures more, however, their level of anxiety and seeing themselves and their environment as being risk were higher as well. CONCLUSION: Despite all the positive results regarding COVID-19 and its preventive measures, the fact that it has spread rapidly indicates the need for more studies to continuously evaluate what is changing in this process as time passes.