Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Palestinian Students Toward COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study During the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of students concerning COVID-19 have an impact on their adherence to preventative procedures. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward COVID-19 among school students. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to assess the knowledge, practice, and attitudes of 600 students toward COVID-19. Study participants were recruited from schools between July and August 2020. The mean score of knowledge was 7.60 ± 4.63, which reflects an unacceptable level of knowledge about COVID-19. Knowledge scores were significantly different across gender (p = 0.017), age groups (p = 0.008), the presence of a family member working in the health sector (p < 0.001), and economical level of family (p < 0.001). Being female, students aged 15–18, and those from high-income families obtained significantly higher knowledge scores. About 68.6% of the students possessed negative attitudes toward the successful control of COVID-19. This study found that more than half of students committed preventive procedures such as avoiding gatherings and practicing good hand hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, only 28.5% confirmed wearing a face mask when leaving their homes. This study affirms the necessity for immediate health initiatives aimed at increasing COVID-19 knowledge and, thereby, more positive attitudes toward preventative procedures.