Determinants of COVID-19 Knowledge, Perception and Attitudes in Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Many countries, including Indonesia, were gravely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. While younger people were rarely severely affected by an infection, they still served as important spreaders of the disease. Therefore, the knowledge, perception and attitudes regarding COVID-19 of a mostly younger population was assessed in this study using a quantitative survey and semi-structured questionnaire. Out of 15 questions on COVID-19, males answered fewer questions (−1.26) correctly. Persons reporting more diseases in the last year (+0.49 per disease) that lived in a central area of Indonesia, and that had a better socio-economic status defined through household condition scores, had better knowledge of the symptoms, causes of and measures against COVID-19. Better knowledge independently predicted more responsible attitudes and stated behavior. Knowledge and understanding should be enhanced through information campaigns targeted specifically towards men, persons with poor socio-economic backgrounds and those living in the periphery of the state.