Abstract

ALVES, Regina Ferreira; SAMORINHA, Catarina  and  PRECIOSO, José. Knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of Portuguese students of secondary school related to the prevention of COVID-19. Psicologia [online]. 2020, vol.34, n.2, pp.75-88. ISSN 0874-2049.  https://doi.org/10.17575/psicologia.v34i2.1659.

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes and behaviours about COVID-19 among high school students in Portugal, given its importance for adherence to measures aimed at preventing this disease. High school students from all regions of the country (N = 1258) completed an online questionnaire in May 2020. Students revealed good knowledge about COVID-19, correctly answering 12 out of 14 items, and reported mostly positive attitudes towards preventive behaviours. However, the adoption of these behaviours was lower: only 6 out of 12 behaviours were adopted, on average, by students. Differences by sex, school year, region and course are presented. Being a female, attending courses on Visual Arts or Languages and Humanities, and having more positive attitudes towards prevention of COVID-19 increase the likelihood of adopting preventive behaviours. The investment in preventive campaigns is essential to enhance adherence to preventive behaviours in this population.

Keywords : COVID-19; students; knowledge; attitudes; preventive behaviours.

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