ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate factors that influence or promote disbelief and negative attitudes toward COVID-19. METHODS: This was cross-sectional study involving 544 males and females ≥ 18 years of age in Greece between December of 2020 and January of 2021. All participants were informed about the purpose of the study, protection of anonymity, and volunteer participation. Participants completed an online anonymous 40-item questionnaire. Analysis of data included the identification of correlations and use of t-tests and ANOVA. RESULTS: The level of knowledge regarding COVID-19 transmission routes, manifestations, and prevention was high in our sample. Women appeared to have a more positive attitude toward COVID-19 prevention and management than did men (p = 0.032 and p = 0.018, respectively). Younger people (18-30 years of age) seemed to deny the validity of scientific data and mass media reports about ways to deal with the pandemic more commonly than did those > 30 years of age (p = 0.003 and p = 0.001, respectively). People who resided in cities more commonly believed in scientific announcements than did those living in villages (p = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: In order to minimize cases of denial of and disbelief in COVID-19 and to promote vaccination, a series of actions are required. Governments should implement a series of measures to contain the disease, taking into consideration the psychological and social aspects of those policies.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Adult , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Male , Pandemics/prevention & control , SARS-CoV-2 , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate factors that influence or promote disbelief and negative attitudes toward COVID-19. Methods: This was cross-sectional study involving 544 males and females ≥ 18 years of age in Greece between December of 2020 and January of 2021. All participants were informed about the purpose of the study, protection of anonymity, and volunteer participation. Participants completed an online anonymous 40-item questionnaire. Analysis of data included the identification of correlations and use of t-tests and ANOVA. Results: The level of knowledge regarding COVID-19 transmission routes, manifestations, and prevention was high in our sample. Women appeared to have a more positive attitude toward COVID-19 prevention and management than did men (p = 0.032 and p = 0.018, respectively). Younger people (18-30 years of age) seemed to deny the validity of scientific data and mass media reports about ways to deal with the pandemic more commonly than did those > 30 years of age (p = 0.003 and p = 0.001, respectively). People who resided in cities more commonly believed in scientific announcements than did those living in villages (p = 0.029). Conclusions: In order to minimize cases of denial of and disbelief in COVID-19 and to promote vaccination, a series of actions are required. Governments should implement a series of measures to contain the disease, taking into consideration the psychological and social aspects of those policies.
RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar fatores que influenciam ou promovem a descrença e atitudes negativas em relação à COVID-19. Métodos: Estudo transversal envolvendo 544 homens e mulheres com ≥ 18 anos de idade na Grécia entre dezembro de 2020 e janeiro de 2021. Todos os participantes foram informados sobre o objetivo do estudo, proteção do anonimato e participação voluntária. Os participantes responderam a um questionário on-line anônimo com 40 itens. A análise dos dados incluiu a identificação de correlações e o uso de testes t e ANOVA. Resultados: O nível de conhecimento sobre as vias de transmissão, manifestações e prevenção da COVID-19 foi alto em nossa amostra. As mulheres pareceram ter uma atitude mais positiva em relação à prevenção e manejo da COVID-19 do que os homens (p = 0,032 e p = 0,018, respectivamente). As pessoas mais jovens (18-30 anos de idade) pareceram negar mais a validade dos dados científicos e reportagens da mídia sobre as formas de lidar com a pandemia do que aquelas com > 30 anos de idade (p = 0,003 e p = 0,001, respectivamente). As pessoas que residiam em cidades grandes acreditavam mais nos pronunciamentos científicos do que as que residiam em vilas (p = 0,029). Conclusões: Para minimizar o número de casos de negação e descrença em relação à COVID-19 e promover a vacinação, é necessária uma série de ações. Os governos devem implementar uma série de medidas para conter a doença, levando em consideração os aspectos psicológicos e sociais dessas políticas.