A cross-sectional study of knowledge, attitude, behaviour and preventive measures for COVID-19 infection in Lebanon

Abstract

Background: The World Health Organization has reinforced its recommendation to maintain preventive measures for COVID-19. The success of preventive measures is largely dependent on public attitudes and knowledge. Aims: This study aimed to assess the relationship between knowledge, attitude, risky behaviours and preventive measures and coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) infection in the Lebanese population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during September–October 2020 using the snowball sampling technique and an online self-administered questionnaire. The 4-part questionnaire targeted sociodemographic characteristics; medical history; knowledge, attitude and practices (preventive measures and risky 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 adult participants. 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 current 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]. Conclusions: The most important predictors of COVID-19 infection appear to be generally well known, yet they should be continuously re-evaluated among the general population. This study highlights the need to raise proper awareness to improve precautionary behaviours among the public.

Predicting COVID-19 Infection Among Older Syrian Refugees in Lebanon: A Multi-Wave Survey

“…Various obstacles to PCR testing at the individual, cultural, environmental, and financial levels were faced by Syrian refugees in Lebanon. 15 The barriers identified in this study and others were mainly related to individuals' perceptions of lack of need or lack of affordability, 15,26 despite the availability of free testing services and the national effort to raise awareness. 15 Perceived stigma, discrimination, fear of deportation, and limited accessibility to testing centers were reported as additional barriers to testing among Syrian refugees in Lebanon.…”

“…The first study was based on a self-reported outcome and found a prevalence of 13.9% out of 1,119 participants, with a higher risk of infection among older adults. 26 The second study was based on lateral flow test and found a crude seroprevalence of 16.0%, with a slightly higher prevalence among those aged 60 years or older (18.5%). However, no statistically significant difference was found between the age groups.…”

Nutrition knowledge and willingness to seek nutritional counseling: analysis of data among a sample of university students

“…Nutritional counseling and education are considered to be successful tools in raising awareness, supporting healthy behaviors and emphasizing NK (Sakr et al , 2022e, 2023b). Hence, nutritional counseling will create a nutrition strategy that will assist people in obtaining the nutrients they require to sustain a healthy lifestyle (Coppoolse et al , 2020; Perlstein et al , 2016; Ohtsuki et al , 2018).…”