COVID-19-related knowledge, preventive behaviors, and risk perception of medical students at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences.

Abstract

Since 3 years ago, a new species from the family Coronaviridae has caused a pandemic and many infections around the globe. Because of their broad contact with patients, in the clinical setting, medical students have a higher risk of COVID-19 infection. We aim to assess their disease-related knowledge, self-reported preventive behaviors, and risk perception.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was done among 209, 5th, 6th , and 7th year medical students at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Knowledge, preventive behaviors and risk perception was assessed with an online questionnaire consisting of 26 items. Validity and reliability of the questionnaire was assessed and had satisfactory results. Correlation of these variables was assessed with statistical analysis.

Results: Participants’ COVID-19-related knowledge was 89.2%; their preventive behaviors 81.8%; and risk perception was 3.68 out of 8. There was no significant difference in the variables between genders. Knowledge level had a mild but, significant positive correlation with preventive behaviors and so did preventive behaviors with risk perception.