Latent class analysis of knowledge, attitude, and practice of a population-based sample of Iranian pregnant women toward COVID-19

The aim of the study is to identify latent class (LC)‑derived patterns of women’s knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) in Iran.

This cross‑sectional survey of 2029 women, who participated in the PERSIAN Birth Cohort, was conducted in Isfahan, Iran. KAP was assessed by shortened and validated form of a recently used questionnaire in Iran. LC analysis was used to discover underlying response patterns of KAP toward COVID‑19 using Mplus 8.0 software.

Three classes were identified: Class 1 (n = 514, 25.33%) “Low knowledge and poor practice, Class 2 (n = 423, 22.08%) “Moderate knowledge and proper practice,” and Class 3 (n = 1092, 53.82%) “Low knowledge and proper practice.” The lowest rate of positive attitude was seen in Class 3. Women living in rural areas, as well as those with lower education, were more likely to member classes with improper practice.

The findings suggest that the LCA approach can provide important information reflecting different levels of adoption of protection toward COVID‑19 infection. The results may be useful to conducting health‑care programs during the outbreaks.