ABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Cross-Sectional Studies , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Lebanon , Surveys and Questionnaires , Disease Outbreaks , BetacoronavirusABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Cross-Sectional Studies , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Lebanon , Surveys and Questionnaires , Disease Outbreaks , BetacoronavirusABSTRACT
Background: Infectious illness outbreaks, such as COVID-19, have a devastating impact on physical health and social and psychological well-being. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the quality of life (QOL) after the COVID-19 outbreak in a sample of the Lebanese population and compare sociodemographic factors associated with QOL among COVID-19 patients and healthy controls. Methods: : A cross-sectional study conducted between January and March 2021 during the lockdown imposed by the Lebanese Government enrolled 2349 Lebanese adults. The major dependent variable was the 12-item Short Form Survey (SF-12), often used as a QOL measure for assessing the impact of health on an individual's everyday life. Results: : In participants with non-positive PCR, linear regression showed that higher income (Beta=2.224) is associated with a higher QOL score. Whereas higher household crowding index (Beta=-0.537), older age (Beta=-0.109), being married (Beta=-1.308), having hypertension (Beta=-2.479), and other chronic diseases (Beta=-3.704) were associated with a lower QOL score.In participants with positive PCR, linear regression showed that the female gender (Beta=2.416) and a higher income (Beta=4.856) were associated with a higher QOL score. Whereas shortness of breath (beta=-2.607), sore throat (Beta=-5.654), sneezing (Beta=-3.761), and having a chronic disease other than hypertension (Beta=-3.181) were associated with a lower QOL score. Conclusion: Overall, factors such as age, male gender, married status, crowded household, low monthly income, high BMI, the presence of chronic disease, and severe COVID-19 symptoms were related to lower QOL after the covid-19 pandemic.