High school students’ attitudes towards SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an online cross-sectional survey

Abstract

BackgroundAdolescents play a major role in SARS-CoV-2 spread. The study objective was to assess COVID-19 attitudes among Polish final year high school students.MethodsAn online cross-sectional survey was conducted between December 2020-March 2021; 24 high schools were randomly selected in Lubuskie region, followed by a random selection of 51 classes. Students' attitudes were assessed by an anonymous questionnaire before an online lecture on SARS-CoV-2.ResultsResponse rate was 72%, 638 students responded (360 females, mean age 18.4±0.6 years); 438 attended schools in towns with <100,000 inhabitants; 201 were in the science program; 7.4% reported past SARS-CoV-2 infection (5% females vs 10.8% males; p = 0.006). 52.2% believed COVID-19 is a serious disease (more females, those in larger cities and in the science program, p = 0.02; p < 0.001; p < 0.001 respectively). However, 71.3% were not afraid of getting SARS-CoV-2 infection (more males and those not in the science program, p = 0.0007; p = 0.01 respectively); 59.1% were concerned that their parents and 68.7% their grandparents will get COVID-19 (more females, those in larger cities and in the science program, both: p = 0.0004; p = 0.004; p = 0.0005 respectively). Only 16.5% believed that government recommendations effectively control the epidemic (more in the science program; p = 0.01); 44.6% supported lockdown as an effective strategy (more those in larger cities and in the science program; both: p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe findings show low awareness of SARS-CoV-2 infection risk, deficiencies in appropriate attitudes and lack of trust regarding the epidemic management among the high school students. Given attitudes determine people's actions, to limit SARS-CoV-2 transmission and strengthen positive attitudes further investigation into the factors underlying the lack of risk perception is warranted.Key messages The study provides perspectives of youth for policymakers that should be taken into account while implementing educational programs related to COVID-19.We recommend implementing COVID-19 knowledge into school curricula to improve students’ risk perception and attitudes.