Awareness, practices, and attitudes toward the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak among northern Cyprus residents: A descriptive research study using an online survey

Abstract

Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a global health issue that was declared as a pandemic on March 11, 2020. The Eastern Mediterranean region, which includes the island of Cyprus, is one of the affected regions. This study aimed to analyse the awareness, practices, and attitudes towards the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak among Northern Cyprus residents during the period of a partial lockdown from April 7 to 17, 2020 through the online platform. Materials and Methods: A descriptive research study using the online survey method was completed by Northern Cyprus residents anonymously. An online questionnaire was designed consisting of 21 questions focused on demographics (five questions), awareness (seven questions), practices (six questions), and attitudes toward the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak (three questions) and was completed by 738 Northern Cyprus residents. Statistical Package for Social Sciences Statistics, Version 24.0 was used in the statistical analysis. Results: Facebook was the most often used platform for following news and information with regard to the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. Additionally, most of the participants had good attitudes toward the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, believing that Northern Cyprus would win the battle against the virus. Conclusion: Once again, it was proven that online platforms, specifically Facebook, were the most used sources for following the news related to SARS-CoV-2. This strongly suggests that, in order to prevent dissemination of incorrect information, reliable authorities, such as the Ministry of Health, should publish information on online platforms to reach more people with correct information.