Evaluation of knowledge, attitudes and practices of health services vocational schools' students with regard to COVID-19

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Sirekbasan S., Ilhan A. O., Baydemir C.

GACETA MEDICA DE MEXICO, vol.157, no.1, pp.74-79, 2021 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 157 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2021
  • Doi Number: 10.24875/gmm.20000440
  • Journal Name: GACETA MEDICA DE MEXICO
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, L'Année philologique, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Directory of Open Access Journals, DIALNET
  • Page Numbers: pp.74-79
  • Keywords: Attitude, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Knowledge, SARS-CoV-2, CORONAVIRUSES, SARS
  • Kocaeli University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Introduction: The most critical intervention to control SARS-CoV-2 infection requires appropriate knowledge and attitude towards the virus. Objective: To determine the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices of students of a health services' vocational school with regard to COVID-19. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out between May and June 2020 in a university of the Turkish region. Data were collected through an online survey portal. Results: Four hundred and fifty-four questionnaires were completed and returned. Students of medical laboratory techniques and first aid and emergency medicine had significantly higher knowledge scores (p < 0.001). More than 43 % of the students (n = 201) used the TV as their main source of information on COVID-19. There was a positive attitude towards preventive measures such as avoiding crowded places and maintaining hand hygiene and social distance. Conclusions: Health services vocational school students have good knowledge and positive attitude towards COVID-19. The main sources of information were the TV and social media. For this reason, more attention should be given to these issues in the curriculum in order for science-based information sources to be used.