Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Towards COVID-19 in Iran: A Population-Based Study

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic has far been the biggest global health threat of the 21st century. Protective measures are still one of the most effective methods for controlling COVID-19. Practicing hygiene and control measures are largely influenced by knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Iranians towards COVID-19 as well as the demographic factors related to it in April and May, 2020. The study population in this cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical, and web-based study included 3736 Iranian individuals who were collected via convenience sampling method. A validated Iranian knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) Questionnaire about COVID-19 was used for collecting the required data. Ordinal multivariate generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were applied to analyze data. The majority of participants (88.1%) had considerable knowledge, the right attitude (91%), and good practices (90.3%). In the multivariate models, factors related to greater knowledge were age > 20 years (P < 0.001), living in the urban area (P = 0.030), holding a master’s or doctoral degree (P = 0.044), and a moderate financial status (P = 0.001). Females displayed mor positive attitude (P = 0.035). Variables related to more favorable practices were age > 20 years (P < 0.001), and having a good (P = 0.003) or moderate (P = 0.038) financial status. It was concluded that the participants had good knowledge and a positive attitude, as well as adopted sound practices regarding COVID-19. However, this conclusion might not have been generalizable to entire Iranian community; therefore, it was recommended that preventive measures against COVID-19 should receive continued monitoring and emphasis.