Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19 and associated factors in the mexican population.

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 disease has been one of the most harmful pandemics for humanity; therefore, ensuring adherence to preventive and control measures is essential. This adherence largely depends on the population's knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19 prevention and its associated factors in Oaxaca, Mexico.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional and analytical study surveyed adults online regarding KAP. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were used for categorical comparisons. Factors associated with higher KAP levels were analyzed by calculating odd ratios (ORs) through logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 176 people participated, of whom 82.42% were women, and 81.83% were <30 years old. Among the participants, 90.88% identified direct contact with infected individuals as the main mode of transmission, 73.86% correctly identified the incubation period, and 93.22% referred to handwashing as the main preventive measure. The KAP scores were 65.34%, 32.95%, and 40.91%, respectively, with no differences by sex or age.

DISCUSSION

Participants with higher COVID-19 knowledge and more positive attitudes towards the pandemic were associated with more frequent preventive practices [OR:1.89 (CI:1.17- 3.73)] and [OR:3.21 (CI:1 .62-6.35)], respectively, compared to those with lower scores.

CONCLUSIONS

The study population has a low level of KAP; greater knowledge about COVID-19 and more positive attitudes towards the pandemic increase preventive practices.