I Dermitzakis1, N Evangelidis1, P Evangelidis1, A Anestis1. 1. Laboratory of Hygiene, Social & Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Decreasing the transmission rate of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is related to people's knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards the novel coronavirus. Our study investigated the above factors aiming at pandemic's successful management. METHODS: A web-based survey was conducted among the general Greek population from 11th September to 7th October 2020 after institutional ethics approval, using a non-probability, convenience sampling method. The survey consisted of socio-demographic, knowledge, attitude, and perception questions towards coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Statistical analyses conducted were appropriate according to the type of variable and the research question. RESULTS: We collected a total of 9,309 questionnaires with a completeness rate estimated at 98.3 %. The median knowledge score regarding COVID-19 was 72.7 %, exhibiting variation depending on socio-demographic subgroups. Individuals were better informed about coronavirus modes of transmission (86.4 %). The acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among the general population was 25.9 %, while 43 % of participants remained undecided about being vaccinated. A significant part of the respondents experienced a health issue for which they had to visit a hospital, but they did not do so due to the fear of possible infection by SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a moderately high level of knowledge in the Greek population towards COVID-19 at the study time. Educational programs, health actions, and vaccination campaigns are essential for filling knowledge gaps in particular demographic groups, such as the low educated and over 65 years old people. Interventions may be needed for the National Healthcare System to recover citizens' confidence. Measures strengthening individual wellbeing and social solidarity during the pandemic should also be of high priority. HIPPOKRATIA 2021, 25 (1):15-21. Copyright 2021, Hippokratio General Hospital of Thessaloniki.
BACKGROUND: Decreasing the transmission rate of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is related to people's knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards the novel coronavirus. Our study investigated the above factors aiming at pandemic's successful management. METHODS: A web-based survey was conducted among the general Greek population from 11th September to 7th October 2020 after institutional ethics approval, using a non-probability, convenience sampling method. The survey consisted of socio-demographic, knowledge, attitude, and perception questions towards coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Statistical analyses conducted were appropriate according to the type of variable and the research question. RESULTS: We collected a total of 9,309 questionnaires with a completeness rate estimated at 98.3 %. The median knowledge score regarding COVID-19 was 72.7 %, exhibiting variation depending on socio-demographic subgroups. Individuals were better informed about coronavirus modes of transmission (86.4 %). The acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among the general population was 25.9 %, while 43 % of participants remained undecided about being vaccinated. A significant part of the respondents experienced a health issue for which they had to visit a hospital, but they did not do so due to the fear of possible infection by SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a moderately high level of knowledge in the Greek population towards COVID-19 at the study time. Educational programs, health actions, and vaccination campaigns are essential for filling knowledge gaps in particular demographic groups, such as the low educated and over 65 years old people. Interventions may be needed for the National Healthcare System to recover citizens' confidence. Measures strengthening individual wellbeing and social solidarity during the pandemic should also be of high priority. HIPPOKRATIA 2021, 25 (1):15-21. Copyright 2021, Hippokratio General Hospital of Thessaloniki.
Authors: Sebastian Neumann-Böhme; Nirosha Elsem Varghese; Iryna Sabat; Pedro Pita Barros; Werner Brouwer; Job van Exel; Jonas Schreyögg; Tom Stargardt Journal: Eur J Health Econ Date: 2020-09
Authors: Dimitrios Papagiannis; Foteini Malli; Dimitrios G Raptis; Ioanna V Papathanasiou; Evangelos C Fradelos; Zoe Daniil; Georgios Rachiotis; Konstantinos I Gourgoulianis Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-07-08 Impact factor: 3.390