The practice of COVID-19 preventive measures in Palestine on the limits of vaccine provision: a population-based study

Abstract

Introduction: Despite discovery of effective vaccines, healthy behaviors and good practices remain the cornerstone of the prevention and control of COVID-19 and the mitigation of adverse impacts. This study aimed to assess the Palestinian population's COVID-19 prevention measures and correlate them with their knowledge, attitude, and background characteristics.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was performed between Dec 2020 and Jan 2021 on 1,451 respondents ≥18 years via an interviewer-administered questionnaire, comprising 35 questions assessing knowledge, attitude, and practice toward COVID-19. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariable regression analyses.

Results: Of the 1,451 respondents, 768 were females (52.9%), the mean age was 32.8 ± 13.7 years, and 161 (11.1%) reported having been infected with the coronavirus. Overall, 38.7% (95%CI: 36.2-41.2%), 23.4% (95%CI: 21.3-25.7%), and 50.2% (95%CI: 47.6-52.9%) reported good knowledge, attitude, and practice, respectively. Respondents over 50 [aOR 1.9, 95%CI: 1.3-2.8], females [aOR 1.7, 95%CI: 1.4-2.2], and people who had COVID-19 infection [aOR1.7, 95%CI: 1.2-2.5] were more likely to report good practice. Participants with good attitude were 5. times more likely to report good practice than those with poor attitude [p-value < 0.001, aOR 5.7, 95%CI: 3.9-8.4].

Conclusions: The knowledge, attitude, and practice of the participants are no ideal. A positive attitude is a crucial predictor of good practices for COVID-19 prevention and control. Public health interventions are essential for developing and sustaining positive attitudes and good practices and preventing misconceptions.