engleski

Adherence to epidemiological measures and related knowledge and attitudes during the coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic in Croatia: a cross-sectional study

Aim To assess the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and related knowledge and attitudes during the cor-onavirus disease 2019 epidemic in Croatia. Methods The online survey, conducted on social media in May 2020, yielded 1393 responses across the country (66% from the Adriatic area). The questionnaire consisted of so-cio-demographic questions and questions on the knowledge , attitudes, and behaviors related to PPE use. The χ 2 test, t test, and multivariate logistic regression were used in data analysis. Results As many as 84.0% of participants reported the compliance with social distancing measures, while 52.8% reported using PPE (mask and/or gloves) when shopping or visiting friends and family. Participants demonstrated good knowledge (mean of 10.4 [95% CI 10.3-10.4] correct answers out of 13 questions) and neutral to moderately positive attitude about PPE use (mean of 36.6 [36.1-37.1] out of 50 points). Participants with higher education, women , and health care workers had a greater probability for having a high knowledge score. Women, older individuals, public transport users, people with more positive PPE use attitude, and those who complied with social distancing had a higher probability of PPE use, while health care workers and highly educated participants had a reduced probability of PPE use in public. Conclusions Croatians had good knowledge and neutral to moderately positive attitudes about PPE use. Nevertheless , health authorities need to promote positive attitudes about PPE use in order to retain trust and compliance with epidemiological measures.

Attitudes ; Knowledge ; personal protective equipment ; COVID-19 ; Croatia

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