Knowledge, risk perception and behaviours in swimming pool users of Palermo city, Sicily

To assess knowledge, risk perception and behaviours of a sample of swimming pool users in Palermo. A total of 498 subjects were interviewed by self-administered anonymous questionnaire including socio-demographic questions, knowledge/risk perception and behaviours. Overall, 289 subjects (58%) had a mean of 1.9 ± 1.2 healthy behaviours. Age older than 30 years (OR=0.46; 95% CI=0.26-0.81), female sex (OR=0.52; 95% CI=0.35-0.76) and a high knowledge score (OR=0.15; 95% CI=0.03-0.69) were significantly associated with having healthy behaviours in both univariate and multivariate analysis. Unhealthy behaviours can be frequently found in swimming pool bathers and, particularly, in some target groups. Public health prevention strategies should be implemented to improve public awareness and information on a safe use of recreational water environments.