Document Type : Original Article
Authors
Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
Abstract
BACKGROUND: COVID‑19 is a serious and costly problem for communities. Observing health
issues and performing preventive behaviors is influenced by their knowledge and skills of people
toward COVID‑19. Hence, this study investigated the knowledge, skill, and practice of the public of
Shahrekord toward COVID‑19.
MATERIALS AND METHOD: The present study was performed as a cross sectional. Data were
collected using an online questionnaire from 540 Shahrekord residents who were selected via
convenience sampling in 2020. Knowledge, skill, and practice toward COVID‑19 were assessed
using a prevalidated questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed by SPSS‑21 software (one‑way
analysis of variance, Pearson test, and regression test).
RESULTS: In this study, 39.1% were male, and 60.9% were female and 46.3% were 20–25 years.
The mean score of knowledge, skill, and preventive behaviors was 75.69 ± 17.85, 53.87 ± 27.40,
and 59.97 ± 23.79, respectively. There was a significant direct relationship between knowledge
and skill (P = 0.05 and r = 081) so that public with more knowledge had a better skill as well.
There was a significant association between age (P = 0.036), education level (P = 0.019) , and
job (P = 0.014) with knowledge. In addition, a significant association between job (P = 0.027) and
marital status (P = 0.014) with skill was observed. Knowledge, skill, and demographic variables
predict 37.6% preventive behavior.
CONCLUSION: The majority of the participants had good knowledge, moderate skill, and relatively
enough practice. Government and policymakers must consider these knowledge levels, skill, and
practices to implement productive interventions for preventing the COVID‑19.
Keywords
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