Greek Public Knowledge and Attitudes in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: Corona viruses are a group of viruses that often cause generally mild respiratory infections in humans and animals. Most people are infected with Corona Viruses at least once in their lives, having mild to moderate symptoms of common cold. Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine and investigate attitudes, perceptions and public knowledge to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, it was to investigate people's perceptions of the new COVID-19, to assess citizens' knowledge of symptoms transmission and prevention against the new COVID-19 disease and to investigate public attitudes during social containment. Study Design: Quantitative survey design. Place and Duration of Study: Sample: 341 Greek citizens were randomly selected and included in the study between June 2020 and August 2020. Methodology: Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, our research was conducted through Google Drive online form sent via Facebook and Messenger to each individually by personal message and by e-mail, to which the questionnaire was sent as an attached file.Such research is aimed at the population who understand social media and with access to the internet. Results: With regard to the participants overall assessment of their knowledge on COVID-19, 8% self-evaluated themselves as having ‘poor’ knowledge, 42% as having ‘moderate’ and 50% as having ‘very good to excellent’ knowledge on the subject. Majority stated that they acquired information on COVID-19 mainly from the Internet and/or mass media (86%) followed by Medical/Nursing staff with 71%, and family/friends 65%. Almost half of the sample, (i.e. 49%) stated that they, or a member of their family, were considered to be a vulnerable group. Also, from ANOVA variance analysis, it appears that differences between educational level groups are statistically significant regarding the need for psychological support in the period of isolation; F(4,136) = 3,602, p< 0.05). With regard to being afraid of contracting the virus either themselves or any member of their family, as shown by Table 4, respondents belonging either themselves or one of their family members to a vulnerable group show higher levels of fear of being affected by COVID-19 (M = 4.18, T.A. = 1.01) against stocks. Discussion: The results of the study showed that public knowledge on COVID-19 shows a positive correlation with the implementation of the measures, meaning that those who know more about nature of COVID-19 are more stringent with prevention measures. Adherence to these, in turn, displays a positive correlation with the need for psychological support during the period of confinement. Therefore, the higher the levels of adherence to the measures, the greater the need for psychological support during the period of confinement. Conclusion: The overall impression of this study suggests that simple straightforward preventive health measures provided to the public tended to be followed. Yet, the greatest problem lies in misinformation on the pandemic which seems to confuse, especially those with lower educational backgrounds.