Knowledge, attitudes and preventive behaviors toward COVID-19: a study among higher education students in Portugal
Purpose – The purpose of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes and behaviors about COVID-19 among Portuguese higher education students. Design/methodology/approach – In May 2020, all students from a Portuguese University were invited to participate in completing an online questionnaire. A to...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University
2021-06-01
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| Series: | Journal of Health Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JHR-07-2020-0254/full/pdf?title=knowledge-attitudes-and-preventive-behaviors-toward-covid-19-a-study-among-higher-education-students-in-portugal |
| Summary: | Purpose – The purpose of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes and behaviors about COVID-19 among Portuguese higher education students. Design/methodology/approach – In May 2020, all students from a Portuguese University were invited to participate in completing an online questionnaire. A total of 262 students participated. COVID-19 related knowledge, attitudes toward COVID-19 and preventive behaviors were assessed. Differences between outcomes and sociodemographics were analyzed through independent t-tests and the ANOVA. A generalized linear model was calculated to determine the predictive variables of preventive behaviors. Findings – Students revealed good knowledge about COVID-19, correctly answering 13.06 (SD = 1.25) questions in a total of 14 and favorable attitudes toward preventive behaviors (M = 32.73, SD = 2.88). Students reported always engaging in, on average, 5.81 (SD = 2.61) of the 12 behavior analyzed. Females presented higher levels of knowledge, more positive attitudes and engaged in more preventive behaviors than males. Being a bachelor's (Exp (β) = 8.213, 95% CI: 1.791–37.670, p < 0.01) or a master's degree student (Exp (β) = 7.568, 95% CI: 1.598–35.835, p < 0.05) and having positive attitudes toward preventive behavior of COVID-19 predicted the adoption of those preventive behavior (Exp (β) = 1.340, 95% CI: 1.189–1.510, p < 0.001). Originality/value – This study provides useful data to plan health education programs about COVID-19 among higher education students. The continuous investment by universities in preventive campaigns is essential to promote good preventive behaviors in the next academic year. |
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| ISSN: | 0857-4421 2586-940X |