Knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) regarding COVID-19 and coronavirus anxiety levels in the Turkish population

Biçer, Iacute; Çakmak, C.; Örgev, C.; Demir, H.

Aim: The knowledge, attitude and practice level of the people about the disease can provide data on behavioral change for the health authorities. This study aims to measure the knowledge, attitude, and practice levels of people living in Turkey towards COVID-19 and determine their anxiety levels. Material and Methods: Eight hundred sixty people were reached through online surveys between May 20-30, 2020. Along with questions measuring demo-graphic features, Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) Towards COVID-19 and Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) were used in the research. Descriptive statistical analysis, chi-square tests, t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), multiple linear regression analyses, and logistic regression analysis were used in the study. Results: The overall mean of the KAP scale was 10.65 ± 1.26. This shows that Turkish people have a high level of knowledge about COVID-19. Moreover, the overall mean of the anxiety scale was 1.96 ± 3.30, and the general anxiety levels of the participants were determined to be very low. Most of the participants showed positive attitudes towards the successful control of COVID-19 (65.9%) and Turkey’s ability to defeat the disease (82.1%). Discussion: It can be stated that this study is important because it is the first study evaluating the KAP and CAS levels for COVID-19 in Turkey. As a result, health education programs and awareness-raising activities targeting individuals with less knowledge about COVID-19 can be important in controlling the outbreak.