Level of knowledge, attitudes and the use of preventive measures among household contacts of COVID-19 cases after the acute phase of the pandemic

Background. Assessment of the level of knowledge and attitudes regarding COVID-19 and preventive measures in household contacts of COVID-19 cases after the acute phase of the pandemic. Methods. Survey among household contacts of COVID-19 cases conducted in healthcare centers in Navarre (1) and Catalonia (8) between May 2022 and July 2023. The frequency of use of preventive measures and the knowledge and attitudes towards COVID-19 were assessed through 12 items. Results. The study included 215 contacts who correctly used the preventive measures (>85%), except for facemasks (35.8%) and interpersonal distance (47%); >85% showed adequate knowledge (5/6 items) and >80% had a positive attitude (3/6 items). Moreover, 54.7% considered that COVID-19 negatively affected their life and 54.1% that it is better to develop immunity by getting infected than by vaccination. Conclusions. Household contacts show a correct level of knowledge and positive attitude towards the disease and its preventive measures.