Nationwide Survey in Greece about Knowledge, Risk Perceptions, and Preventive Behaviors for COVID-19 during the General Lockdown in April 2020

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the Greek general population toward coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during the lockdown period in April 2020, to examine factors associated with misperceptions and to determine behavioral patterns that may require interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional study of the general Greek population (N = 1858) was conducted. A geographically stratified cluster sampling was implemented. A questionnaire was composed consisting of 35 questions. Data collection took place from 15 April to 2 May 2020. A random-digit dialing survey was conducted by 29 interviewers. Results: The majority of respondents (62.7%) answered ≥12/17 questions correctly. Participants aged 18–44 years, male gender, specific occupations (freelancer, unemployed, housewife, retiree) and those who sought information about COVID-19 from less than two sources received lower aggregated scores on knowledge questions. Regarding attitudes toward future vaccination, 18.9% declared that were against it, while 81.1% that they may consider or will be vaccinated. About 40% were not using a face mask and only 42% washed their hands appropriately. Conclusion: Adjusting information campaigns targeting especially people below 45 years of age can help to sensitize them and realise their role to control the spread. Further targeted surveys are needed to adjust/design prevention campaigns.

Factors Associated with Healthcare Workers’ (HCWs) Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccinations and Indications of a Role Model towards Population Vaccinations from a Cross-Sectional Survey in Greece, May 2021

“…The questionnaire was designed based on our previous knowledge [ 14 , 15 ] and done by an expert team comprised of an epidemiologist, an occupational health professional and a public health specialist. To provide feedback on clarity and usefulness of questions included, the questionnaire was pre-tested with 15 HCWs.…”

“Public Health Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Greece and Associated Factors: A Nationwide Cross-sectional Survey”

“…This finding is lower than rates reported in other countries, but similar to that of a recent study in Greece which reported that only 28% mentioned wearing a face mask indoors. 5 Hence, additional studies using more recent data are warranted to identify potential changes in COVID-19 related knowledge and attitudes, in the uptake of preventive behaviors and their association. Such studies might further enable policymakers to assess the effectiveness of evolving public health guidelines and initiatives adopted through the first year of the pandemic and make necessary and tailored adjustments.…”

“… 2 , 3 , 7 - 10 The line of research addressing knowledge, attitudes and practices related to COVID-19 pandemic, has substantiated variability across various countries and settings. 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 , 9 , 11 , 12 …”

Trends in COVID-19 Vaccine Intentions during the COVID-19 Pandemic; a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cross-Sectional Studies

“…All studies had a cross-sectional study design: 22 used online surveys [43][44][45][46][48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65] and one study used a mixed-methods approach, including both an online survey and semi-structured interviews 47 . Eighteen surveys were conducted in the rst half of 2020 (January-June) 43-46,48−53,55-58,62−65 and ve were conducted in the latter half of 2020 (July-December) 45,54,59−61 .…”

“…Of the 23 studies included in the review, 17 studies used piloted, trialled or previously published survey instruments (Additional File 3) 43,44,47,48,[50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61]64,65 . Only 11 studies used an adequate sampling frame to achieve a representative sample 45,46,50,51,[54][55][56]58,59,61,62 and 10 studies were deemed to use an adequate selection process 47,50,51,[54][55][56][57]59,61,62 . Of the studies that used adequate sampling frames, eight used existing online research panels 46,50,54,56,58,59,61,62 (two most common being Qualtrics, n = 2 54,56 and the AmeriSpeak panel, n = 2 50,59 ).…”