ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: During the pandemic, the use of multiple products for disinfection and prevention of COVID-19 transmission was widespread, many of them topically administered. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with the perception and use of topical products for the prevention of COVID-19 in Peruvian populations., MATERIALS AND METHODS: Analytical cross-sectional study of secondary data analysis was done applying a survey to Peruvian adults, who were asked about the belief or use of different products, according to whether they believed in or used at least one of them. In addition, the association was sought according to socio-educational and occupational characteristics. RESULTS: There were included 3509 participants. The product that they perceived the most that could prevent COVID-19 was the mixture of 4% sodium hypochlorite, vinegar and alcohol (37%), but the one they used the most was 4% sodium hypochlorite (11%). In the multivariate analysis, it was found that women were those who had a positive perception of the topical use of these products (p value < 0.001), adjusted for the marital status of the respondents. However, when the use was analyzed, women were the ones who used these products the least (p value = 0.028), those who were working used these products the most (p value = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: The results show that the Peruvian population does not perceive or use topical products to prevent COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: It is important to assess the popular perception of the impact of the measures taken by governments in response to the fast spread of the coronavirus. Objective: Determine the perception of the public health measures implemented by the Peruvian government to stop the spread of COVID-19. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional analytical study was conducted based on a virtual survey applied to more than 4 000 people across the country. Results: The vast majority of respondents agreed that COVID-19 is a serious epidemic / pandemic (47% in agreement and 42% very much in agreement). However, only 22%, 21%, 17% and 46% thought that the country, the health sector, the hospitals and the doctors, respectively, were prepared to face it. The most widely supported migration measures were border closure (68% very much in agreement) and denying entrance to travelers returning from China or other countries with high rates of coronavirus infection (60% very much in agreement). Respondents agreed that mass gatherings should not be held for a while (69% very much in agreement), a figure followed by those proposing to declare a public health emergency (61% very much in agreement) and the closure of colleges and universities for some time (50% very much in agreement). Many statistical associations of these perceptions were found, according to sex, age or educational level (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The population supports most of the measures, those related to socioeducational characteristics receiving greater support. © 2021, Editorial Ciencias Medicas. All rights reserved.