Abstract
This paper explores the generation Z (Gen Z) cohort’s self-assessed knowledge regarding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms as well as their interest in acquiring information and learning more about the transmission and spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2 virus) and the COVID-19 symptoms. Additionally, it investigates gender differences in self-assessed knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms. Field research employing a nonprobability sampling method with an online questionnaire resulted in collecting 762 valid questionnaires. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, factor and reliability analysis, and the independent sample t-test. Results reveal that overall symptom knowledge was assessed higher than the self-assessed knowledge of the 13 specific symptoms. No gender differences were detected regarding self-assessed knowledge of the following COVID-19 symptoms: cough, dyspnea, anorexia, productive cough with expectoration (phlegm), headache, and diarrhea. On the other hand, for self-assessed overall knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms, as well as self-assessed knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms related to fever and fatigue, myalgia (muscle pain), pharyngodynia, nausea–vomitus, hemoptysis, and abdominal pain, the t-tests conducted showed that there are statistical differences in knowledge assessment between male and female subjects. Based on the outcomes, the paper provides marketing communication practices targeting this young generation cohort to raise awareness so that Gen Z’ers may react effectively if these symptoms are observed and, thus, request medical assistance.
Highlights
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected the global community resulting in 31,343,430 confirmed cases globally and 965,250 deaths as of September 22, 2020 [1]
The main criteria that this research posed was that participants should be adult members of the Greek generation Z cohort (Gen Z’ers) and not be in any way connected with the healthcare sector
The present study contributes significant findings that can assist researchers and government officials in developing a better understanding of the generation Z cohort and their gender differences associated with the self-assessed level of knowledge regarding the COVID-19 disease symptoms
Summary
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected the global community resulting in 31,343,430 confirmed cases globally and 965,250 deaths as of September 22, 2020 [1]. The three most-infected countries globally are USA, India, and Brazil, with 6,858,010; 5,562,663 and 4,558,040 confirmed cases, respectively. These cases of COVID-19 led to 199,886; 137,272; and 88,935 deaths in USA, Brazil, and India, respectively. COVID-19 disease originates from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It was initially recognized in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, in December. Two months later (i.e., in March 2020), it had already developed to a pandemic
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