COVID-19 Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices and Perceived Risk: Cross-Sectional Mixed Methods Study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Psychology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges due to inconsistent public health messaging, leading to confusion about preventive behaviors.
• Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) frameworks help understand how education, beliefs, and context influence health behaviors during emergencies.
• Vulnerable groups, like multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, may have heightened risk perception, affecting their responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived risk among MS patients, healthcare providers, and laypeople.
• To explore quantitative factors linked to KAP and perceived risk.
• To qualitatively describe participants' pandemic-related perceptions and emotional responses.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, cross-sectional, mixed-methods study design.
• Online surveys collected demographic data and COVID-19 KAP/perceived risk information.
• Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics; qualitative comments underwent thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• 148 participants (43 MS patients, 50 HCPs, 55 laypeople) were included. 90% had basic COVID-19 knowledge.
• MS patients and HCPs reported higher perceived risk compared to laypeople (P=.049).
• Higher perceived risk correlated with avoiding crowded places; qualitative themes included uncertainty, anxiety, fear, vulnerability, and accountability.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 knowledge correlates with positive attitudes and preventive practices.
• Tailoring risk communication is essential due to varying perceived risks across populations.
• KAP interventions addressing uncertainty and emotions can improve preparedness for future health crises.