Knowledge, attitudes and preventive behaviors toward COVID-19: a study among higher education students in Portugal

Purpose - The purpose of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes and behaviors about COVID-19 among Portuguese higher education students. Design/methodology/approach - In May 2020, all students from a Portuguese University were invited to participate in completing an online questionnaire. A total of 262 students participated. COVID-19 related knowledge, attitudes toward COVID-19 and preventive behaviors were assessed. Differences between outcomes and sociodemographics were analyzed through independent t-tests and the ANOVA. A generalized linear model was calculated to determine the predictive variables of preventive behaviors. Findings - Students revealed good knowledge about COVID-19, correctly answering 13.06 (SD = 1.25) questions in a total of 14 and favorable attitudes toward preventive behaviors (M = 32.73, SD = 2.88). Students reported always engaging in, on average, 5.81 (SD = 2.61) of the 12 behavior analyzed. Females presented higher levels of knowledge, more positive attitudes and engaged in more preventive behaviors than males. Being a bachelor's (Exp (beta) = 8.213, 95% CI: 1.791-37.670, p < 0.01) or a master's degree student (Exp (beta) = 7.568, 95% CI: 1.598-35.835, p < 0.05) and having positive attitudes toward preventive behavior of COVID-19 predicted the adoption of those preventive behavior (Exp (beta) = 1.340, 95% CI: 1.189-1.510,p < 0.001). Originality/value - This study provides useful data to plan health education programs about COVID-19 among higher education students. The continuous investment by universities in preventive campaigns is essential to promote good preventive behaviors in the next academic year.