The Knowledge Levels, Preventive Behavior And Risk Perception On COVID-19 Of The Healthcare Students In Turkey

Abstract

Objective: In this study, 19 health-related knowledge level of students Covidien in Turkey, was conducted to determine the preventive behavior and risk perception. Material-Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted from 14th to 20th of May, 2020. The questionnaire was completed with voluntary participation of university students who have education in the field of health. Questionnaire consisted of 26 questions including 15 items about COVID-19 related knowledge, 9 items regarding preventive measures and 2 items about COVID-19 risk perception. Reliability of the questionnaire was shown to be satisfactory. Results: Total 1438 students studying in departments about health participated in the study. 943 participants (65%) were associate degree students, 495 people (35%) were undergraduate students. The average COVID-19 knowledge level was 90.3%, its attitude towards protective behavior was 99%, and the risk perception rate was 4.82. In terms of applying protective behavior, 99% of the respondents gave the correct answer. 24% of the participants had low level risk perception, 40% medium level perception, 36% high level risk perception. Participants' high level of knowledge and risk perceptions (r=-0.560, p=0.015) between protective behaviors and risk perceptions (r=-0.839, p=0.005) and protective behaviors and knowledge level (r=-0.737, p=0.009) There was a moderate correlation between. Conclusion: The knowledge level is at a level that provides insulation with the recognition and protection of the disease in our study if cases and the mortality rate in Turkey is considered. Hierarchical knowledge-based education is a prerequisite for preventing and controlling the spread COVID-19 for healthcare professionals who will take active role in the epidemic.