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

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, actionism(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 (46.9% females, 53.1% males). The median COVID-19 risk perception score was 42(Interquartile range: 35-50). In this study, the low COVID-19 risk perception frequency was 26.3%. Being 40 years old and older (OR;%95CI: 1.76;1.12-2.76), the low level of compliance with protective behaviors (1.75;1.09-2.76) and low level of confidence in information sources/tools (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 (p=0.001). The most trusted sources of information about COVID-19 were the statements of health professionals and official institutions (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.