Predictors of COVID-19 preventive behaviours in a sample of the Turkish population

Abstract

Aim: This research aimed to determine predictors of COVID-19 preventive behaviours in a sample of the Turkish population. Methods: The study was conducted with 575 individuals. COVID-19 preventive behaviours were evaluated with a 19-item scale scored from 19 to 95. Knowledge on COVID-19 was evaluated with a 22-item scale scored from 0 to 22. General health literacy was evaluated with the Turkey Health Literacy Scale (THLS), which was scored from 0 to 50. Results: The average COVID-19 preventive behaviours score was moderately high in this sample of the Turkish population. Being female, having a higher level of education, better economic status, being a non-smoker, having a higher level of COVID-19 knowledge and better general health literacy score were significant predictors of COVID-19 preventive behaviours (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of COVID-19 and general health literacy are crucial in preventing COVID-19 infections in a sample of the Turkish population.