ASSESSMENT OF THE LEVEL OF RISK PERCEPTIONS AND RELATED PARAMETERS FOR THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Authors : Selva Dilan GÖLBAŞI KOÇ, Selma METİNTAS, Ali KILINÇ, Sevda SUNGUR, Alaettin ÜNSAL, Didem ARSLANTAS, Muhammed Fatih ÖNSÜZ

Pages : 91-101

Doi:10.33457/ijhsrp.1053188

View : 28 | Download : 11

Publication Date : 2022-04-29

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :INTRODUCTION: Assessment of risk perception in communities in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic is essential for organizing effective interventions. The study aims to determine the level of COVID-19 risk perception and the factors associated with risk perception. METHODS: It is a cross-sectional study in which 452 participants, who were employees of Eskisehir Osmangazi University, were included between December-2020 and January-2021. The COVID-19 risk perception level was assessed with nine questions by modifying the COVID-19 Instant Monitoring Turkey protocol study questions. The prepared questionnaire included variables of sociodemographic characteristics, transmission risk status, preparedness, self-efficacy, compliance with protective behaviors, actionisminsert ignore into journalissuearticles values(ineffective protection behavior);, and confidence in information sources/tools. The 25th percentile and lower scores were evaluated as having low risk perception. The study data were evaluated with univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The participants had a mean age of 38.51±9.66 years insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(46.9% females, 53.1% males);. The median COVID-19 risk perception score was 42insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Interquartile range: 35-50);. In this study, the low COVID-19 risk perception frequency was 26.3%. Being 40 years old and older insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(OR;%95CI: 1.76;1.12-2.76);, the low level of compliance with protective behaviors insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(1.75;1.09-2.76); and low level of confidence in information sources/tools insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(2.37;1.49-3.78); were predictive for having a low level of risk perception of COVID-19. Those with a low COVID-19 risk perception were more likely to agree that the restrictions being applied were exaggerated insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p=0.001);. The most trusted sources of information about COVID-19 were the statements of health professionals and official institutions insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p<0.001);. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: A low-level risk perception was detected in one out of every four people in the study group. COVID-19 risk perception of individuals should be monitored since it is related to many parameters in epidemic management.
Keywords : Risk perception, COVID 19, risk factors