Knowledge, Practice, and Misconceptions of Patients with COVID-19: Results from the Isfahan COVID Cohort Study

Research is scarce on how education and socioeconomic status (SES) affect COVID-19 practices in Iran. This study aims to examine the levels of knowledge, adherence to personal hygiene practices, and prevalence of misconceptions among COVID-19 patients in Isfahan, Iran.

This study utilized data from the Isfahan COVID Cohort, a longitudinal study of 4328 participants with moderate-to-severe COVID-19. Data collection included demographics, SES, medical history, and knowledge and practice (KP), using a researcher-made questionnaire. SES was assessed via standardized questionnaires, while KP were evaluated through a two-part questionnaire, with scores calculated based on adherence to official guidelines. Statistical analysis involved t-tests, analysis of variance, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

A total of 4328 patients were enrolled in the study. Regarding COVID-19 knowledge, participants scored 70.59 (16.98) (out of 100). In the pre-COVID practice assessment, the total score was 49.37 (14.13). Post-COVID practice scores were notably high (80.25 (16.91)). There was a significant relationship between practice score and gender, age, marital status, SES, and the presence of underlying disease (P < 0.05). Participants with underlying diseases demonstrated significantly higher scores in all KP sections (P < 0.05). In the case of misconceptions, 46.70% believed handwashing was ineffective, 39.20% doubted surface disinfection's efficacy, 53.60% used garlic, onion, or ginger for prevention, and 71.50% regularly used Esfand and Anbarnesa smoke at home even after hospitalization.

Continuous monitoring is crucial due to the evolving pandemic. Future research must examine these disparities to develop more effective preventive strategies.