Knowledge, Practice, and Misconceptions of Patients with COVID-19: Results from the Isfahan COVID Cohort Study
Parham Mortazavi, Fahimeh Bagherikholenjani, Shahla Shahidi, Noushin Mohammadifard, Maedeh Sayyah, Marzieh Taheri, Shima Nasirian, Nizal SarrafzadeganAbstract
Introduction:
Research is scarce on how education and socioeconomic status (SES) affect COVID-19 practices in Iran. This study aims to examine the levels of knowledge, adherence to personal hygiene practices, and prevalence of misconceptions among COVID-19 patients in Isfahan, Iran.
Materials and Methods:
This study utilized data from the Isfahan COVID Cohort, a longitudinal study of 4328 participants with moderate-to-severe COVID-19. Data collection included demographics, SES, medical history, and knowledge and practice (KP), using a researcher-made questionnaire. SES was assessed via standardized questionnaires, while KP were evaluated through a two-part questionnaire, with scores calculated based on adherence to official guidelines. Statistical analysis involved
Results:
A total of 4328 patients were enrolled in the study. Regarding COVID-19 knowledge, participants scored 70.59 (16.98) (out of 100). In the pre-COVID practice assessment, the total score was 49.37 (14.13). Post-COVID practice scores were notably high (80.25 (16.91)). There was a significant relationship between practice score and gender, age, marital status, SES, and the presence of underlying disease (
Conclusions:
Continuous monitoring is crucial due to the evolving pandemic. Future research must examine these disparities to develop more effective preventive strategies.