Online ISSN: 2515-8260

Public knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the coronavirus disease pandemic: a cross-sectional study in the Kurdistan region, Iraq

Main Article Content

Ibrahim A. Naqid1*, Basheer A. Abdi1 , Rasheed Hussein Ahmed2 , Nashwan Ibrahim3 , Dildar H Musa3 , Zana Sidiq M. Saleem3 , Ahmed Mohammed Chafrash4 , Nawfal R. Hussein1 , Kurdistan A. Saeed

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an emerging viral respiratory disease that has currently reached apandemic status.This study aimed to assessCOVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and practices among the Kurdishpopulation in Iraq. Methods: This cross-sectional studywas conducted fromJuly 15 to September 15, 2020 among the Kurdish population in Iraq. A total of 885 subjects were interviewed. All subjects were aged 15–75 years. Knowledgescores, attitudes, and practices of subjects were analyzed according to demographic characteristics. Results:The study subjects were largely male,the average age was31.79 years,and 41.92% subjects were from Erbil province. Approximately 85.31% subjectshad enhancedknowledge regarding disease prevention and control. The lowest subscale scores were related toclinical manifestations of the disease. Knowledge scores were significantly associated with age, place of current residence, and level of education.A large number of participants believed COVID-19 would be controlled and the fight against the pandemic would be won.Subjects’ attitudes toward success differedsignificantly by demographic characteristics, except marital status. Approximately 40.03% subjects reported that they had not visited a crowded place, and 60.22% of these subjects wore face masks when leaving home. Conclusions: This study foundgood knowledge, positive attitudes, and proper practices among the general populationregarding the COVID-19 pandemic.However, community-based health campaigns in the regionshould encourage optimistic attitudes and appropriate practicesregarding virus containment and dissemination. Our findings may be used as a baseline for planning health education campaigns in the region.

Article Details